Roy Hodgson makes Crystal Palace squad rotation admission ahead of Man United EFL Cup trip

Roy Hodgson has admitted he will rotate his squad this week, with his Crystal Palace side heading to Manchester United for back-to-back clashes.

The Eagles take on the Red Devils on Tuesday night in the third round of the EFL Cup.

Palace then take on Erik ten Hag’s side on Saturday afternoon in the Premier League.

Odsonne Edouard was forced to come off with a hamstring injury in the goalless draw with Fulham.

Naouirou Ahamada, James Tomkins, Michael Olise, Matheus Franca and Jefferson Lerma are all sidelined through injury.

“We have got to use our squad,” said Hodgson, assessing the two Old Trafford trips during the week.

“There is no question of that.

“With the absence of real competition in the moment in our squad at the moment, because so many players are injured, if I really think the 11 which I may consider the best 11, can go out today [vs Fulham] in a tough game like this, a tough game on Tuesday and then do it again on Saturday, I would be dreaming.

“I don’t think anybody who has even the slightest inclination of what is required would expect it from me.

“It’s a little bit disappointing. At the start of the season, I didn’t envisage our current situation and I thought we might be able to give it a real go.

“We will still give it a real go, but I’m sure people like yourselves will criticise the fact that the team that plays on Tuesday night might be different to this one.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD