Sam Allardyce has revealed that he is not willing to risk the fitness of Mamadou Sakho, ruling the centre-back out of Crystal Palace's remaining two matches.
The France international, in the running to be crowned the Eagles' Player of the Year following an impressive loan stint from Liverpool, has not featured since April 26.
Sakho suffered bruised and strained ligaments in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur, but Palace hoped to have him back for their final run-in.
However, Allardyce has confirmed that he will not rush the defender back to fitness for games with Hull City and Manchester United, meaning a likely end to his time at Selhurst Park.
Asked if a return was likely in the next 10 days, the Palace boss told reporters: "Not really, I do not think so. He has been away in France. He is back here now but I think it will not be long enough for the recovery period to think he would be available for Old Trafford.
"I did not get my hopes up too much. Some players recover quicker than others. Maybe if he was a quick healer we might have speeded the process up but that does not appear to be the case."
Allardyce expects to have James Tomkins available for Sunday's relegation battle with Hull, meanwhile, and Scott Dann may also be risked following a spell on the sidelines.
Daniel Lewis
