February 4 2016

James McArthur

Crystal Palace have been dealt a blow with news that James McArthur is set to miss the rest of the season.

The all-action midfielder, 28, sustained ankle ligament damage during the midweek Barclays Premier League defeat to Bournemouth.

McArthur tweeted: "Looks like season over for me with ankle ligaments tore (sic). Just another challenge in my career to make sure I work hard and come back stronger."

Fellow midfielder Jason Puncheon suffered a hamstring injury in the same game and joins him on a lengthy list of Eagles on the sidelines.

Manager Alan Pardew said: "I have some disappointing news, McArthur is out for a long period we think and Puncheon is going to miss a long period as well so that is just more injuries on the list.

"There is some better news on the offensive players – (Dwight) Gayle has trained so he is back and available.

"Sullay Kaikai has trained and he is available - a young player I would probably have used in this period without (Yannick) Bolasie but unfortunately he was injured."