Palace's Scott Dann could miss next 2 matches

Crystal Palace could be without its captain and unlikely goal-scorer Scott Dann for the next two matches due to a hamstring injury.

The defender - who has more goals than any other Eagles player since the start of the 2015-16 campaign - pulled up early in Wednesday's League Cup loss at Southampton, and may be unavailable until his side returns from October's international break.

This means Dann will certainly sit out Saturday's trip to Sunderland, and is likely to be absent for the tilt at Everton six days later. It also serves as a blow to his chances of making an England bow under new national team boss Sam Allardyce.

"Scott Dann has a slight strain in his hamstring," said manager Alan Pardew. "He will definitely miss this game, and possibly Everton as well. He's our captain so, of course, it's very frustrating to be without him."

Pardew tried to allay fears of a lack of leadership in the backline, however, pointing to a player that he brought in from West Ham United this summer at a cost of £10 million.

"We paid an awful lot of money for James Tomkins because I wanted to make sure we had cover in that position," the Wimbledon native continued. "Last year I felt a bit vulnerable there. So I don't feel vulnerable now on Saturday. James is fit and will come in."

Palace has enjoyed a fine start to the season ahead of the Wearside wrangle, boasting the fourth-best defence in the division while occupying eighth spot in the standings.