Marc Guehi injury: What it means for Crystal Palace, the player and England

Just when things seem to pick up for Crystal Palace, something comes along to dampen the enthusiasm.

Oliver Glasner’s first game in charge, a 3-0 win over Burnley, brought a renewed sense of optimism. That was swiftly followed by Cheick Doucoure signing a new long-term contract, a major boost as one of their star players committed his immediate future to the club.

But now centre-back Marc Guehi is expected to miss between six and eight weeks after suffering a setback in his return from a knee injury sustained in the 4-1 defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this month.

Guehi has been a crucial part of the Palace defence since signing from Chelsea in 2021, forming an excellent partnership with Joachim Andersen, and while he still has a chance of returning before the end of the season, it raises some pointed questions for the club and the player.

What does this mean for Palace?

It is a significant blow. Guehi is likely to have been vital in Glasner’s new three-man defensive system, given his ability to carry the ball out from defence and complement Andersen’s long passes. Those skills will suit Glasner’s style of play when he does return, but the fear is that Guehi may now only feature in a handful of games before the end of the season.

It also leaves Palace’s defensive resources very stretched. Rob Holding underwent surgery on a troublesome ankle injury which proved more serious than originally anticipated and is expected to be out for at least the majority of Palace’s remaining games, if not until the end of the season. That leaves Glasner with just three centre-backs in Andersen, Chris Richards and James Tomkins. Joel Ward has deputised capably as the right-sided defender in a back three but any further injuries would put serious strain on Palace’s backline.

Even with Tomkins’ considerable experience, the 34-year-old has scarcely featured over recent seasons due to injury and the form of those ahead of him and that lack of minutes would put a question mark over his ability to come back into the side and perform.

Should there be any more injuries to defenders it may be that Glasner is forced to tweak his system and move away from his preferred 3-4-3. But that would be a last resort.

Guehi’s injury also raises the possibility that he may have played his final game for Palace. With two years left on his contract and no talks having taken place over a new deal, the 22-year-old is the only one of the club’s key young players yet to agree fresh terms.

Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise and Doucoure have all signed contracts in recent months to give Palace more control over their future, or at least the prospect of higher fees should they be sold.

Guehi, though, has not. Palace will hope he returns quickly and without complications to not only contribute on the pitch but also boost his value for potential purchasers. Several clubs have monitored his progress and he is likely to be in high demand.

This summer would be the optimal time to sell if there is a feeling that keeping him at the club in the long-term is unlikely. Given his previous injury record is not a concern — he has missed only seven Premier League games since joining Palace, with four of those coming this season — it should not deter suitors, but there may be some added caution.

What does this mean for Guehi?

It is tough for Guehi, who was starting to establish himself as a regular in the plans of England manager Gareth Southgate. This injury will rule him out of the March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, the last chance to impress Southgate before the European Championship squad has to be named in June.

Former Palace manager Roy Hodgson’s confidence in the defender was enough to suggest he could one day captain England, while Patrick Vieira felt his potential was to play in the Champions League and picked him as player of the year in 2021.

With nine caps and off the back of his performances over the past two seasons there was every chance of Guehi pushing for a place in the squad for the European Championships this summer.

Guehi has been in England’s plans (Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Chances to play in major tournaments are limited and he will want to do everything possible to ensure he travels to Germany this summer. That may still happen, particularly if he has no further setbacks and given that England are not overburdened with quality options in central defence.

His familiarity with the set-up, having featured regularly at every youth level, will be in his favour.

There will be relief for all that this injury is not expected to rule him out for the remainder of the season, but it is still a blow. Replacing centre-backs is easier than in other areas of the pitch, but Guehi’s absence will still weigh heavily on both player and club.

(Top photo: Warren Little/Getty Images)