Crystal Palace full-back Nathan Ferguson is set for yet another lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a hamstring injury in a behind closed doors friendly.
The 21-year-old has only managed eight minutes of senior football for the Eagles despite joining the club in July 2020 on a three-year deal.
Ferguson arrived at the club with a knee injury that delayed his progress before he then ruptured his Achilles in a training session last summer.
That injury kept him out until December when he was slowly brought back into the first-team fold following a return to training, making his Palace debut off the bench against Tottenham Hotspur on Boxing Day.
He backed that up with solid performances for the club's Under-23s against Chelsea and Liverpool but then suffered an injury in a friendly against Portsmouth a fortnight ago.
Patrick Vieira confirmed Ferguson had what he called a "set-back" when he spoke to the media before Palace's FA Cup tie against Hartlepool, though the Athletic are reporting that his injury could keep him out for up to six weeks.
It's a bitter blow for the young defender who has just one year left on his contract at the club and was bought to provide competition for places with Joel Ward.
After making his debut over Christmas, Palace assistant manager Osian Roberts said Ferguson would soon become an important member of the squad.
“I was really pleased for Nathan because he has been working hard behind the scenes for such a long period of time,” he told reporters.
“He has been integrated into the first team for a few weeks. We have liked what we have seen - he’s a great kid, he has been working hard, and he has deserved this opportunity.
“We know that there is a lot to come from him, and we look forward to him being an integral part of the group.”
