Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha has reportedly been ruled out until at least March with a hamstring injury.
With less than six months remaining on his Palace contract, speculation has persisted regarding a potential transfer away from Selhurst Park in January.
Although all indications have been towards the long-serving attacker seeing out the campaign with the Eagles, offers could have arrived before Tuesday's deadline.
However, that is now unlikely to be the case with the Ivory Coast international expected to be sidelined for the next six weeks.
According to the Daily Mail, that is the verdict after Zaha suffered a hamstring injury against Newcastle United last weekend.
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The 30-year-old needed to be withdrawn in the 65th minute as Palace were able to hold Newcastle United to a goalless draw in the capital.
Zaha's injury is a major blow to Palace who have relied on the wideman for six goals and two assists in the Premier League this campaign.
That said, Zaha had failed to provide either in a top-flight fixture since the start of November 6 before sustaining his fitness issue versus the Magpies.
Patrick Vieira and the Palace board must now decide whether to attempt to bring in a replacement during the final days of the transfer window.
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Palace have not made a single addition since the turn of the year, instead only finding loan moves for six different players.
Although Zaha brings unique qualities to Palace's side, Vieira does have alternatives with Michael Olise, Jordan Ayew and Odsonne Edouard all capable of deputising on the left flank.
Malcolm Ebiowei may have also come into contention, but the 19-year-old was allowed to move to Hull City on a temporary basis earlier this month.
Up to and including March 4, Palace are in line to play five matches, with Manchester United and Liverpool featuring on their schedule.
Darren Plant
