Luke Dreher’s season-ending injury is a huge blow for the youngster, leading to doubts over his long-term Crystal Palace future.
It is feared that the 20-year-old damaged his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in a friendly last week, meaning he will be sidelined until next summer.
Dreher was hopeful of forcing his way into Roy Hodgson’s first team plans this season, so this is an enormous setback.
Eagles supporters have been reacting to the news on Twitter, with disappointment the order of the day.
This is desperately disappointing and frustrating news for Luke, who was looking like he'd really be pushing for first team action this season.
Keep your chin up @DreherLuke. You'll come back stronger from this. https://t.co/4VNjMsHKEG
— Five Year Plan (@FYPFanzine) August 13, 2019
Gutting https://t.co/sWRc9OaRFM
— Tom (@cpfctom_) August 13, 2019
Dammit! Poor kid 😕 #CPFC https://t.co/exVmiNIEdX
— GazBod (@gazbod) August 13, 2019
— Jonty🦅 (@Jontycpfc) August 13, 2019
https://twitter.com/The_ArmaniCode/status/1161255167578259459?s=20
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Although Palace are well-stocked in midfield, this is a bitter blow for anyone associated with the club.
Seeing any British youngster come through the ranks is an exciting sight and big things have been expected from Dreher, who made his first team debut on the final day of last season, in the 5-3 win over Bournemouth.
A cruciate ligament injury is arguably the most serious a footballer can suffer, so there will now be concerns over Dreher’s future at Palace.
The youngster hasn’t been without fitness problems in the past, but this will be his greatest hurdle to overcome.
