Sakho set to miss rest of season as Palace battle the drop

Crystal Palace boss Sam Allardyce has confirmed that centre-half Mamadou Sakho will miss the London club’s last two games of the season.

The Frenchman has not played since being stretchered off with a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on April 26.

Speaking about whether Sakho will be fit to return before end of the season, Allardyce said: “Not really. I don’t think so.

“It won’t be long enough to think he’ll be fit for Old Trafford.”

The news will not be welcomed by fans and comes at a crucial point in the season as Palace as they host relegation-threatened Hull City on Sunday, while sitting only three points above the drop zone.

Since arriving at Selhurst Park on-loan from Liverpool, the 27-year-old has been a key figure in Palace’s defensive back line.

Sakho’s popularity with the fans has certainly shown, after being shortlisted for the club’s Fan’s Player of the Year award, despite only featuring eight times for the side this season.