Crystal Palace left to sweat on defender’s fitness ahead of Aston Villa

Crystal Palace have been left sweating on the fitness of Marc Guehi ahead of Saturday’s Premier League trip to Aston Villa after the centre-back went off at half-time in England’s 3-1 win over Scotland on Tuesday evening.

The 23-year-old Lewisham-raised defender started the 150th-anniversary clash of the first meeting against the Scots at Hampden Park alongside Brighton’s Lewis Dunk.

Guehi, who has started every game under Roy Hodgson this season in the Premier League, was replaced by Harry Maguire at half-time.

Former Chelsea and Swansea defender Guehi also started and played the full 90 minutes for England in their 1-1 Euro 2024 qualifying clash against Ukraine last Saturday.

“He was just feeling something at half-time,” England manager Gareth Southgate confirmed to the press.

“We hope it’s not too bad, but he wasn’t able to carry on.”

The Eagles signed centre-back Rob Holding from Arsenal on deadline day.

Hodgson also has the options of Chris Richards, who has been on international duty with the USA, and James Tomkins at his disposal.