May 29 2008

Carl Fletcher

CARL FLETCHER is set to miss Crystal Palace's pre-season schedule after suffering an ankle injury with Wales.

FLETCHER, 28, was skippering his country for the first time in Wednesday night's friendly clash in Iceland.

The midfielder was hacked down by Palmi Palmason on his 29th international appearance and had to leave the field in the 37th minute on a stretcher.

Wales eventually won the match thanks to a goal from Manchester City's Ched Evans, but the injury will come as a blow to FLETCHER who is desperate to show he has a future at Palace.

Manager John Toshack said: "He was very unfortunate. We will have to fly him home tomorrow and he will obviously miss the game on Sunday in Rotterdam against Holland.

"He will be out of action for maybe two months, which is very unlucky for him because he deserved his chance as captain."