Devastated Wilfried Zaha forced off injured as Roy Hodgson suffers huge blow in bid to keep Crystal Palace up
WILFRIED ZAHA was forced off injured before half-time after appearing to sustain a groin injury against Leicester.
The Crystal Palace star was visibly emotional as he received treatment, before being replaced by Jordan Ayew in first-half stoppage time.
The Ivorian, who appeared to be close to tears, was comforted by boss Roy Hodgson as he left the pitch.
Zaha’s injury will come as a huge blow to Palace’s 75-year-old boss.
Today’s Selhurst Park clash marked his return to the dugout after surprisingly replacing Patrick Vieira as boss.
The Eagles had been dominating Leicester prior to Zaha’s withdrawal.
But it was the Foxes that went on to take the lead on 56 minutes via Ricardo Pereira.
Leicester’s lead didn’t last long, however, with Eberechi Eze’s free-kick striking the woodwork and going in off unlucky goalkeeper Daniel Iversen on the hour mark.
Palace went into the match on a run of 12 Prem matches without a win.
Talisman Zaha, 30, missed four of these matches with a previous ailment.
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Despite their dreadful form in 2023, Palace went into today’s match 12th in the Prem table.
Zaha’s Palace contract is set to expire at the end of the season.
He has made 25 appearances this term, scoring six goals and laying on three assists.