‘Injured and went off pitch’ – Worry for Crystal Palace as player sustains thigh injury

Crystal Palace have a fresh injury concern as Anan Khalaili suffered a setback while in action with Israel. 

In the summer window, he came close to joining Inter Milan, but the move collapsed after a failed medical. This allowed Crystal Palace to swoop in to sign the right wing-back from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise for around €25m in August.

Khalaili’s good start to his Crystal Palace career has helped him return to the national team squad. Prior to this international break, he made one appearance [in March] for his country since last October.

Crystal Palace player to undergo tests 

After returning to Ran Ben-Shimon’s list, the manager has started the 22-year-old in all three matches.

The third one was in the goalless draw against Kosovo on Thursday. The Crystal Palace summer signing was on the pitch for 77 minutes and Eli Dasa came on to replace him.

Israel’s Sport 5 have a report on Anan Khalaili, and their title says he ‘was injured and went off the pitch’ against Kosovo.

Within the report, the outlet explains he left after ‘sustaining a thigh injury’. The national team’s medical staff have carried out initial assessments, which showed he’s ‘suffering from cramps in his hamstring’.

The wing-back, who can also operate as a right-back, will undergo further tests to find out whether the setback is serious. This is definitely a concern for the Eagles, who will be in regular contact with Israel’s medical staff.

Israel will face Republic of Ireland on Sunday and Sport 5 are unsure whether Khalaili will be available for this clash. He hasn’t withdrawn from the national team squad yet.

Worry for Crystal Palace 

Anan Khalaili has played 422 minutes from six matches for Pierre Sage’s side. He played his first full 90 minutes in Crystal Palace’s 3-2 win over Fulham.

Last month, the Israel international talked about being exhausted and finding it hard to adjust to the Premier League. His latest setback may make it more challenging to settle in well to his new environment in England.