Richards, Lerma and Munoz: Latest Crystal Palace injury news and return dates ahead of Aston Villa clash

Crystal Palace have seen their strong form begin to dip in recent weeks, as the demands of competing across multiple fronts have been felt by Oliver Glasner’s side in the packed festive period of the season.

Having lost only three times in their opening 15 Premier League fixtures, the Eagles have now lost four in five and have begun shipping goals at an alarming rate, particularly struggling from set pieces.

Injuries have certainly played a role in the club’s sharp drop in form, with as many as 11 players unavailable in recent matches as Glasner has seen his squad heavily depleted.

The Eagles will hope to see players return to action in the coming weeks, with a key month ahead both on and off the pitch. Amidst what could be a busy January transfer window, the FA Cup holders will hope not to see star names poached this month.

Will Chris Richards be available to face Aston Villa?

In a piece of good news for the Eagles, manager Glasner confirmed on Tuesday that Chris Richards will be back in the squad to welcome Villa at Selhurst Park. The American centre-back has been passed fit following three matches out with a foot injury sustained in Palace’s Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Arsenal, which saw the 25-year-old carried off on a stretcher.

Glasner said: "Let's talk about the good news, Chris Richards is back. He is not able to start, but he will be on the bench. In his first training today, he was confident. He couldn't wear a boot for the last two weeks and it would have been too risky to start him. But it's good to have him back as an option.”

Though Palace will be boosted by the return of Richards, they have been dealt two fresh injury blows from the defeat to Newcastle United last time out. Nathaniel Clyne has a “minor abductor injury”, while Jefferson Lerma was withdrawn due to concussion protocol and will be unavailable for the next two matches.

Glasner added: "Jefferson Lerma is out because of the concussion. He will follow the concussion protocol and be available for the game against Sunderland. Nathaniel Clyne has a minor abductor injury and the plan is now for him to return for Chelsea [on January 25]. That means minus two from the last game.”

Daniel Munoz expected return date and other absentees

Daniel Munoz has been a key part of Glasner’s wing-back system this season and it was a major blow when the Colombian was ruled out with a knee injury in December, which resulted in surgery.

Glasner said on December 10 that he expects Munoz to spend several weeks on the sidelines: "The prognosis is four to six weeks. Then he should be ready to play. But again, always when you have to undergo the surgery, you never know. I had a few in my career, that's why I'm always a little bit cautious. But it doesn't look too serious."

With Munoz not expected back until later this month, Glasner is also without several further first-team players at present. The Austrian confirmed on Tuesday: “Nobody else is back [for Villa] and nobody else will be back for the Macclesfield game [in the FA Cup]. The situation hasn't really got better, but the players looked good, to be honest.”

Eddie Nketiah is amongst those out, not expected back until February after picking up a hamstring injury on December 28 which ruled him out for up to eight matches. Midfielder Daichi Kamada will be out for a similar timeframe with his own hamstring issue, while Cheick Doucoure also remains out with a knee problem. Youngsters Rio Cardines, Chadi Riad and Caleb Kporha are also out injured, while Ismaila Sarr is away representing Senegal at AFCON.