Crystal Palace have been dealt a major blow in their survival battle after Roy Hodgson confirmed that Bakary Sako is ruled out for the rest of the season.
Sako was forced off in the first half of the Eagles' 1-1 draw at West Ham on Tuesday, and scans have revealed he has suffered a fractured ankle and damaged ligaments.
"Baky's injury is a very serious one. He's fractured his ankle and damaged ligaments around it," Hodgson told a news conference.
"He certainly won't play again this season and may be a doubt to be fit for the start of next."
The striker has played an important role in Palace's rise to mid-table under Hodgson, scoring six goals in 19 appearances including a recent match winner against Burnley.
With Christian Benteke struggling for form this season, Sako's absence increases the pressure on new £9 million signing Alexander Sorloth to settle quickly.
