“I can’t…” – Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson airs concern ahead of Man United clash in Carabao Cup

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has aired concerns about troubles within his squad ahead of their Carabao Cup clash against Manchester United.

The Reds face up against The Eagles on Tuesday evening as the holders of the competition and will be eager to win back-to-back games for the first time this term.

Hodgson, 76, has admitted though that he is not able to ‘attack’ this fixture due to the limitations within his squad.

“I can’t attack the Carabao Cup as I intended to do because I don’t have any players,” the veteran manager confessed last week. “I’m worried about Edouard’s hamstring. At the moment when I find out a player is out for three weeks, I’m relieved it’s not three months.”

The Palace striker was able to start during their 0-0 draw against Fulham on Saturday. However, he was replaced mid-way through the second half and Hodgson will be eyeing the Premier League clash against Erik ten Hag’s side four days following the Carabao Cup game.

Jordan Ayew and Marc Guehi also returned from injuries on the weekend, but judging from Hodgson’s words, it seems unlikely that they will start on Tuesday.

Of course, United are also dealing with squad problems themselves, with an injury crisis having caused difficulties for Ten Hag in recent weeks. However, there have been some positive updates after Sofyan Amrabat and Raphael Varane returned against Burnley.

Read More: Early Team News: Man United receive mixed injury updates for Carabao Cup clash vs Crystal Palace

Hodgson believes that his team will need to be switched on to get anything from this game. “It is no longer the case as it used to be… if you’re organised and you know what you need to do and know your patterns of play, you will catch teams out. You don’t.

“You have to be on your guard. The onus is on us to attack, and that is where the danger lies. If you attack and switch off your defensive duties, the opposition team punishes you.”