There has been a development regarding the injury to Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland...

What's the word?

As per the BBC, the Englishman took to Instagram to reveal that he has broken his hand ahead of the start to the Premier League season, although he offered one potential saving grace after stating that he will not require surgery to amend the issue.

The 29-year-old stated: "Broken hand. No op required. Chance to push the limits and come back a monster. No excuses".

The former Stoke City stopper sustained the injury in the pre-season defeat to Manchester United last week, with the suggestion that he will now be out of action for up to eight weeks.

Huge blow for Palace

That news will no doubt come as a huge blow for both the player and Patrick Vieira, with a report from The Athletic suggesting that it could well harm the nine-cap international's chances of sealing a move away from Selhurst Park this summer.

The £1.62m-rated man has seemingly fallen down the pecking order following the arrival of compatriot Sam Johnstone from West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer, with the latter set to compete with current number one Vicente Guaita for a starting berth.

Butland's ailment will see the club saddled with a player who is seemingly surplus to requirements, with the £35k-per-week giant having failed to truly make his mark for the south Londoners since his arrival two years ago, making just ten Premier League appearances in that time.

His spell on the sidelines will also come as a further blow due to the shortage of options with which Vieira is left in the goalkeeping department, having only recently seen backup stopper Remi Matthews join St Johnstone on loan.

That has left the aforementioned Guaita and Johnstone as the only fit senior goalkeepers in the Frenchman's squad, with the Arsenal legend no doubt praying to avoid further injuries ahead of their season opener against the Gunners next week.

It could well ensure that the Eagles are forced into the market to bring in a suitable understudy, with Butland's absence seemingly an unwanted headache that the Palace manager would have been hoping to avoid.

AND in other news: Fabrizio Romano reveals huge Crystal Palace development, supporters will be buzzing