Crystal Palace's Wayne Hennessey could struggle to win place back after injury, says manager Roy Hodgson 

  • Wayne Hennessey missed the game against West Brom after suffering an injury 
  • Veteran Julian Speroni donned the gloves instead and managed a clean sheet 
  • Roy Hodgson says there are no guarantees for Hennessey due to competition
  • Palace could also welcome back Scott Dann for the game against Bournemouth  

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey faces a battle to win his place back against Bournemouth on Saturday.

Wales international Hennessey missed last weekend's trip to West Brom after pulling up injured during the warm-up.

That forced veteran crowd favourite Julian Speroni to don the gloves, and the 38-year-old excelled in keeping a clean sheet during the goalless draw.

Wayne Hennessey is not guaranteed a place in the side for the game against Bournemouth

Wayne Hennessey is not guaranteed a place in the side for the game against Bournemouth

Boss Roy Hodgson confirmed that Hennessey is back in training and available to face the Cherries - but gave no guarantee that he would regain his spot: 'Wayne trained for the first time today.


'His back went into spasm during the time he was warming up. It has happened to him three times before and it was just very unfortunate that it happened on the day of a game.

'He missed the first three days of training this week but was out there training today in a modified form, and will train fully tomorrow.

'There is a stiff competition between the two of them always which is always something for me to resolve before a game because they are both very competent.

Roy Hodgson said the competition from Julian Speroni meant he could not rest on his laurels

Roy Hodgson said the competition from Julian Speroni meant he could not rest on his laurels

'Wayne Hennessey kept a clean sheet (against Brighton) before Julian, and now Julian has kept one. So they are keeping me on my toes.'

Hodgson is monitoring full-back Joel Ward, who is carrying a groin problem, but centre-half Scott Dann and midfielder James McArthur are fit.

'McArthur had a scare with a virus earlier in the week but he trained today,' added Hodgson. 'Scott Dann has recovered from the problem he had.

'Joel Ward is a doubt because he felt his groin after three matches in a week so we have had to be very careful with him.'

Midfielder Yohan Cabaye is also in contention after missing out against West Brom with a knee problem.

Palace could also welcome back defender Scott Dann for the game against Bournemouth

Palace could also welcome back defender Scott Dann for the game against Bournemouth