Christian Benteke out for at least six weeks with ligament damage

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has revealed that he expects to be without striker Christian Benteke for at least six weeks due to the injury suffered against Manchester City.

The Belgium international hobbled off with a quarter of the match left to play at the Etihad Stadium, leaving the Eagles fearful of serious damage to his knee.

Hodgson has now confirmed that Benteke did indeed suffer ligament damage in the 5-0 defeat last Saturday, which will likely keep him out of action until the end of November.

"He's got ligament damage which will keep him out for a minimum of six weeks," Hodgson told reporters. "We don't think he'll be able to train for six weeks."

Palace, who will also be without Wilfried Zaha and Ruben Loftus-Cheek for this weekend's trip to Manchester United, are reportedly looking at free agents Rickie Lambert and Carlton Cole to fill the void left by Benteke.