Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone dealt cruel injury blow with Euro 2024 hopes in doubt

Evening Standard

·27 March 2024

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone dealt cruel injury blow with Euro 2024 hopes in doubt

Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has been ruled out of the rest of the season and will miss this summer’s Euros after undergoing elbow surgery this morning.

Johnstone sustained an injury when saving a shot in training on England duty last week and the 31-year-old faces an extended period on the sidelines.

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The injury is a major blow for both Palace and England manager Gareth Southgate, who was set to take Johnstone to Germany as second-choice behind Jordan Pickford.

Johnstone has been in impressive form for Palace this season, but his operation means he is the first England injury casualty ahead of Euro 2024.

His injury will present an opportunity for Nick Pope, Jack Butland, James Trafford and Dean Henderson, who will deputise for him at Palace, to force their way into the squad as an understudy to Pickford alongside Aaron Ramsdale.