Premier League players appear to be suffering a growing number of injury problems as the international break approaches, and Crystal Palace are no different after another concern emerged during their meeting with Leeds United.
Jefferson Lerma is the latest worry for the Eagles. The midfielder has requested not to join up with Colombia as he looks to use the international break to recover fully from a foot problem.
The 31-year-old has been dealing with inflammation after being stepped on, although the issue did not prevent him from helping Crystal Palace against Leeds United at the weekend.
Lerma completed 45 minutes of the goalless draw despite not being fully fit. With Palace already managing several absences, the Colombian made himself available to help the team cope with their injury problems.
However, he now appears to have decided that he needs to step back and use the international break to recover properly.
Lerma makes Colombia request
Colombian journalist Mariano Olsen reports that Lerma personally asked manager Néstor Lorenzo not to select him for the upcoming international fixtures.
Olsen explains that the midfielder continues to suffer from inflammation in his foot following the knock. Despite the problem, he was able to play an entire half against Leeds because Crystal Palace needed him.
Lerma subsequently contacted Lorenzo to explain his situation and make his preference to sit out the international break clear.
It is an interesting decision considering how important Colombia have been throughout Lerma’s career. The midfielder has been a regular for the national team for years and was also a starter at this summer’s World Cup.
From Crystal Palace’s perspective, however, the decision should come as positive news. It gives them an opportunity to get Lerma back to 100% without the added workload of another two international matches.
Injuries haven’t been a big problem at Palace
Lerma’s injury history since arriving at Selhurst Park has generally been positive. During his first season with the club, he had two spells on the sidelines and missed 12 matches altogether.
Since then, his only recorded injury absence came last season, when a head injury ruled him out for seven days and two games.
This season has already been slightly more disrupted. Lerma played 17 minutes against Middlesbrough and another 12 against Ipswich before completing 45 minutes against Leeds. That amounts to just 74 minutes across Palace’s last three matches.
Considering he was not fully fit for his latest appearance, sitting out Colombia duty could give Lerma the opportunity to finally resolve the foot problem before Crystal Palace return to action.