Palace covet attacking cover after Sako injury

Sako is facing an extended spell on the sidelines after limping off with an ankle injury before halftime on Tuesday and Hodgson revealed that the Malian international's chances of a quick recovery appeared unlikely.

(Reuters)

"My medical staff... don't think it's very good at all," the former England manager said. "We don't really have the luxury of losing a forward player because we are so short in that area.

"It makes it a little bit more imperative that we bring some players in because otherwise we'll have a very thin squad, especially in the forward areas."

Hodgson has signed two players so far, with centre back Jaroslaw Jach joining on a three-year deal and Sweden under-21 midfielder Erdal Rakip coming in on loan from Benfica until the end of the season.

(Writing by Simon Jennings in Bengaluru; Editing by John O'Brien)