ROY Hodgson hopes to have Stephane Henchoz back in contention as Blackburn Rovers bid to maintain their unbeaten record at Crystal Palace tomorrow.
But the Swiss international defender, named in his country's squad for the World Cup qualifier against Norway on September 10, is only one of several casualties who face late fitness checks before the Rovers boss can finalise his line-up.
And with no apparent progress in the search for a new keeper, Tim Flowers is set to start his first game of the season.
Henchoz missed Monday's goal spree against Sheffield Wednesday after having stitches in a head wound sustained against Liverpool.
"You would expect him to be okay but he hasn't headed a ball yet," said the manager.
Hodgson has question marks over several other players, with midfielder Billy McKinlay looking the most doubtful after pulling a groin muscle on Monday night.
Jason Wilcox hurt his ribs and Kevin Gallacher also took a knock but he seems the least serious of the manager's problems.
Rovers also have plenty of cover at the moment and, if anyone is ruled out of midfield or attack, there are players such as Lars Bohinen, Anders Andersson and Martin Dahlin eager to start a game for the first time under Hodgson in the Premiership.
Meanwhile, the England squad was due to be named this afternoon with Chris Sutton a candidate to be included for the first time by Glenn Hoddle, who has problems. England play Moldova on September 10 and as well as Alan Shearer's absence, Robbie Fowler has yet to play this season, Andy Cole has made only a fleeting appearance for Manchester United and Stan Collymore has hardly shone for Aston Villa.
Hoddle also faced a difficult decision over Ian Wright, who is back in the disciplinary bad books.
Sutton on the other hand has raced out of the starting blocks, scoring five goals in four matches this season and his confidence is high.
Once Britain's most expensive player, he has recaptured the form that helped win Rovers the title in his first season.
Depending on the injuries, Sutton could have a new partner at Selhurst Park tomorrow if either Wilcox or Gallacher fail to make it. That would almost certainly be Dahlin, though there is the option of including Damien Duff as cover for Wilcox.
Rovers' starting line-up is set to come from: Flowers, Valery, Hendry, Pearce, Kenna, Ripley, Flitcroft, McKinlay, Wilcox, Sutton, Gallacher, Henchoz, Dahlin, Bohinen, Andersson, Broomes, Croft, Duff, Williams.
Hodgson, who hails from Croydon and still has family in the area, will be back on familiar ground tomorrow as he started out as a player with Palace.
But he said: "It's hardly like going home, I have been away so long. But no doubt I'll need a few extra tickets."
For Jeff Kenna, the game will mark his 100th senior appearance in all competitions for the club.
Paul Warhurst is set to lead the lead the Palace attack and Steve Coppell could call Neil Emblen into the squad for the first time since his big-money move from Wolves.
Former Clitheroe keeper Carlo Nash will be on the substitutes' bench.
Palace are expected to choose from: Miller, Linighan, Edworthy, Tuttle, Muscat, Roberts, Rodger, Gordon, Lombardo, Warhurst, Dyer, Freedman, Shipperley, Hreidarsson, Fullerton, Emblen, Nash.
Rovers A entertain Preston A at Brockhall tomorrow.
Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
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