Crystal Palace have been dealt a blow after left-back Pape Souare was forced to undergo surgery after dislocating his shoulder.

The 28-year-old has only made one appearance in the Premier League this year but he suffered the injury last time out against Grimsby Town in the FA Cup.

Palace managed to secure a 1-0 win at Selhurst Park thanks to Jordan Ayew’s strike but they lost Souare in the first half due to the injury.

Eagles fans had been hoping for some good news but the former Lille man has now confirmed he will miss the next two months of action.

He tweeted: “Quick minor op, and it went great can’t wait to get back doing what I love.

“I wanna thank everyone for their ongoing support. See you soon.” Although Souare has been a peripheral figure for Palace this season, the news will come as a blow to boss Roy Hodgson.

Souare has been down the pecking order since being involved in a car crash during the 2016/17 season and his latest injury has left Hodgson short of numbers.

He allowed Alexander Sorloth to leave on loan to Gent on Monday, while Jason Puncheon also left last weekend.

Puncheon joined relegation rivals Huddersfield Town and Palace will feel they need extra bodies in order to avoid the drop. The Eagles face Watford this weekend before they then travel to Liverpool on January 19.

Six-pointers against Southampton and Fulham are also on the horizon and Palace are priced at 21.00 to be relegated.