Hodgson: Christian Benteke to return in 2019

Christian Benteke Crystal Palace

Share this story






Crystal Palace manager has confirmed striker Christian Benteke is set to return from injury in 2019 after undergoing surgery.

The Belgium international has been missing for the last few weeks and he has only made four appearances in the Premier League so far. After resting, Palace eventually took the decision to book him in for surgery and he went under the knife on Wednesday. Benteke insists the operation went well but Hodgson is still going to be without him until at least January.

He told Sky Sports: “Christian Benteke was operated on yesterday. We tried the conservative route to put an end to his knee problem, which he has suffered with for a while. “That didn’t work out. There was always the risk that if it didn’t work out an operation would be necessary and I got the bad news that the operation was necessary, had taken place and now he will be out for a long period of time.

“But there’s no doubt we won’t be seeing much of him this year. I think it will take until into 2019 before we see him, but hopefully earlier than later in 2019.” Palace have only scored five goals this season but Hodgson is confident the likes of Connor Wickham, Alexander Sorloth and Jordan Ayew can fire them away from the relegation zone.

The Eagles are next in action on Sunday October 21 when they travel to Everton.

The Toffees are 1.91 to win, with the draw 3.50, while Palace are priced at odds of 4.20.

Leave a comment