Mamadou Sakho has been an integral part of the Crystal Palace lineup ever since he joined the club on a permanent deal from Liverpool in August of 2017.
His partnership with James Tomkins has been excellent and they have produced nine clean sheets so far this season.
Sakho injured his leg during a 4-1 victory against Leicester City on 23rd February 2019 and had to be taken off in the 79th minute. Roy Hodgson today confirmed on his pre-match press conference against Burnley that he underwent a successful operation in Paris.
Whispers are now suggesting though that he could miss the rest of the season. Will Mama be a costly absence?
Well, there are quality players who could replace Sakho in the form of Martin Kelly and Scott Dann. Kelly played against Manchester United and did a decent job.
But Kelly unfortunately lacks the presence that Mama offers, and also the ability to build from the back with accurate passing. Patrick Van Aanholt also has a great understanding with Sakho, better than that which the Dutchman has with Kelly, Dann or even Tomkins. He didn’t have the best of nights against Manchester United.
Sakho can handle the bullying forwards like Lacazette, Lukaku and Rondon better than almost anyone in the top-flight.
With league and cup games coming thick and fast, it will be great to see Mama on the field again soon, especially if Crystal Palace can progress to the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Sakho would like to win a trophy in England after he came close to achieving that with Liverpool, narrowly missing out in the 2016 League Cup final.
With the chances of seeing the Frenchman before the end of the season looking increasingly slim, it seems his absence will be felt severely.
