Will Hughes to miss Chelsea match with foot injury, Adam Wharton suffers setback in recovery from surgery

Crystal Palace will be without Will Hughes for Saturday’s Premier League match with Chelsea after the midfielder sustained an injury during Sunday’s 2-1 win over Southampton.

Hughes has been an integral part of Palace’s squad since Oliver Glasner was appointed manager in February and has formed a strong partnership with Jefferson Lerma in central midfield.

The 29-year-old has made 19 Premier League appearances this season, of which 12 have been starts, but picked up a foot issue against Southampton which will rule him out of Saturday’s game, with Glasner confirming that Cheick Doucoure will start in his place.

“Will is not available,” Glasner said. “He was injured in the Southampton game and had to be stitched. The top of his foot is too swollen and painful. He can’t do anything, he can’t wear a boot.”

Palace will welcome back captain Marc Guehi, who missed that win over Southampton through suspension after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season, but Trevoh Chalobah is unavailable to face his parent club. Adam Wharton remains absent after a setback in his recovery from groin surgery. “It looks like it takes longer and longer (with Wharton),” Glasner said.

Hughes, who captained the side in Guehi’s absence, triggered a one-year extension in his contract last season but that deal runs only until June. Glasner, however, hinted strongly that he will remain at the club into at least next season.

“I don’t want to talk about deals but I am very confident and convinced that he will play at least next year for Crystal Palace. He’s speaking in the dressing room and on the pitch and this is what helps the team. I’m quite sure Will will be with us next season.”

Matheus Franca returned to team training this week after eight months out injured, although is not expected to return to the matchday squad until at least the middle of February. Eberechi Eze has overcome sickness to be available to face Chelsea.