Crystal Palace face a late decision on goalkeeper Dean Henderson's fitness for Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton. Manager Pierre Sage told reporters the player suffered an ankle twist in last week's final pre-season friendly against SC Freiburg.
According to a report from The Score, Sage said the club is hopeful Henderson can feature. "He had a little twist in his ankle against Freiburg," the coach explained. "We want him to play. But we gave him a few days of treatment to allow him to be in his best shape."
What does Henderson's absence mean for Palace?
Henderson's potential unavailability is a significant concern. He re-established himself as the undisputed first-choice keeper last season, making 37 starts and keeping 11 clean sheets. His form was instrumental in a strong finish to the campaign and earned him an England cap in a World Cup win over France. This setback interrupts his momentum just as the new season begins. If he is ruled out, backup Walter Benítez is expected to start. The Argentine made only three appearances last term, all in cup competitions, so a league start would be a major test.
Palace's defensive record with Henderson was a foundation for their success. You can review the team's defensive statistics on our stats page. His command of the area and shot-stopping were frequently highlighted. Losing that presence, even for one game, forces a reshuffle at a key moment.
How does this affect the squad depth?
The situation underscores the importance of squad planning. With the transfer window still open, an extended absence for Henderson would increase the workload on Benítez and test the readiness of the third-choice goalkeeper. The club's current squad list shows young shot-stopper Joe Whitworth as the other senior option. Manager Sage now has a direct decision to make about risk versus reward with his number one.
Injuries are an unavoidable part of the sport, and every club must navigate them. You can track all current fitness concerns on our dedicated injuries hub. For Palace, keeping key players fit is essential for building on last season's progress. Henderson's importance is clear from the numbers, and his potential absence creates immediate uncertainty.
What is the immediate fixture context?
The match against Everton at Selhurst Park is the second game of the new Premier League season. It follows an opening-day fixture, the result of which will set an early tone. Every point matters from the outset in a tightly packed league table. Facing an Everton side also looking for a positive start adds pressure to the selection call.
Palace's early schedule is demanding, making a consistent lineup valuable. The team will want to build cohesion quickly. A change in goal disrupts that defensive unit's understanding. The full run of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures schedule. How Sage manages this situation could influence the team's early-season form.
What happens next for Henderson?
The immediate next step is Thursday's training session with the goalkeeping coaches. A final assessment will be made on Friday ahead of Saturday's kick-off. The club has stated its hope that he will be available. His recovery from this minor twist will be monitored closely. For now, the focus is on getting him ready for selection and ensuring no long-term issue arises from rushing back. The decision will be based entirely on medical advice and the player's own feedback after the planned session.
