Mamadou Sakho’s injury provides the perfect opportunity for Crystal Palace defender Martin Kelly to shine

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Mamadou Sakho was forced off during France’s 1-0 win over Uruguay on Tuesday night, and the injury concern may rule the centre-half out for Crystal Palace’s match against Manchester United on the weekend.

The injury to Palace’s starting centre-half provides a perfect opportunity for back-up Martin Kelly to stake his claim for a more consistent first-team role at Selhurst Park.

This season, Kelly has played just 120 Premier League minutes for the Eagles, with the partnership of James Tomkins and Sakho reigning supreme in SE25.

Yet during Palace’s most recent league match against Tottenham, the 28-year-old was called upon to fill in after Tomkins suffered a knock.

Manager Roy Hodgson praised Kelly’s cameo appearance, and with both Tomkins and Sakho doubts to play at Old Trafford, it appears the former Liverpool man will be granted a rare Premier League start on Saturday. 

A trip to Manchester United presents an imposing task for Martin Kelly and the Palace defence, but with an impressive performance, the centre-half could convince Roy Hodgson he is worthy of a starting berth.