Roy Hodgson now admits Crystal Palace player needs longer to regain full fitness

Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed that defender James Tomkins still needs longer to recover from his calf issue.

The 34-year-old hasn’t played a game for Palace, since the 4-2 victory over Plymouth Argyle in the Carabao Cup back in August.

Tomkins, who is out of contract in June 2024, was making a good comeback from his latest injury, however, Hodgson confirmed today that he is still a couple of weeks away from a return.

The 76-year-old also confirmed that attackers Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze will miss tomorrow’s game against Tottenham Hotspur through injury.

Hodgson on Tomkins’ fitness

Speaking in his pre-match press conference today, Hodgson said: “Of course, we still have [Dean] Henderson, the goalkeeper, and we still have Ebere Eze and Michael Olise, so still quite big names are out. Add to that James Tomkins, who picked up a calf strain.

“He has missed a week so far, just over a week, so most of these things take three weeks so I would think [he needs] another couple of weeks.

“It’s not a massive strain that would keep him out for a long period, as has happened to all three of Eze, Olise and Henderson which were all very serious ones.”

Hopeful of a return for Tomkins

Given his age and current injury record, it is highly unlikely Tomkins will be given a new deal when his current one expires in June.

Palace fans will be hoping Tomkins can recover from injury and play some part for Hodgson’s side between now and the end of the season.