Palace boss Hodgson: I did not have the option of resting our only striker

By Sam Smith

Roy Hodgson has admitted that he has had no option but to play misfiring striker Christian Benteke.

The Crystal Palace forward has scored just twice in 26 Premier League appearances this season and missed two excellent scoring opportunities in last Saturday’s 2-1 defeat against Liverpool.

However, the Belgian could miss this weekend’s visit to AFC Bournemouth having suffered a groin injury during Thursday’s training session, leaving the Eagles without a fit first team centre-forward.

Hodgson said: “It is a nice situation when you have players on the bench who can come on. It is something that we have not had much at all this season.

“For long periods we have played without a recognised centre-forward because we did not have one until Benteke came back. He was still the only fit centre-forward so there was never the chance to replace him.

“Then we signed another one (Alexander Sorloth from Midtjylland) in the January transfer window and he only played a few games before getting injured so we still don’t have one again now.

“It is quite possible that Benteke will not be able to play on Saturday so we won’t have a recognised centre-forward again.”

Benteke has received criticism for his form this campaign but Hodgson has defended the 27-year-old, claiming he cannot play without a striker.

He continued: “I heard someone on the TV saying ‘why is Benteke still playing?’ and asking why I have not given him a rest. Apparently it will be good for him to come out the team. Well, yes it might be but who do I put in?

“We have to play with someone up front. I have not got to the situation that Malcom Allison was in many years ago when he played a 4-6-0 formation. We have not come to that way of thinking but maybe we might have to.”