According to the latest reports, Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins may potentially be included in the match day squad for the upcoming game against Luton. The decision, however, is expected to be a last-minute call, as per information from The Evening Standard.
Tomkins has been absent in the last few matches for Palace due to an injury, but it appears that the veteran defender is nearing a return. The medical staff is reportedly assessing him, and a late fitness test will determine if he has sufficiently recovered from a month-long calf injury to participate in the Luton match.
While Marc Guehi and Joachim Andersen have been the prominent center-backs for Palace, having Tomkins back in the match day squad would provide valuable experience. The club has dealt with numerous injuries in recent months, but with players returning to fitness, the squad is nearing full strength.
James Tomkins, whose current contract expires at the end of the season, might see limited minutes due to the twilight of his career. Nevertheless, his leadership qualities and extensive experience make him a valuable asset for Palace. Even if he doesn’t feature heavily on the field, having a player of Tomkins’ caliber in the squad is considered crucial.
Given the injury crisis earlier in the season, where around 10 players were sidelined, the availability of multiple options is a positive development for manager Roy Hodgson. The upcoming game against Luton is deemed significant, and with the potential return of Tomkins, it’s suggested that Hodgson could deploy his strongest XI of the season. The hope is to secure three points and build momentum before the challenging festive period with several tough matches.
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