Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins is out of the Premier League clash with Wolves at Selhurst Park, Roy Hodgson has confirmed.

Tomkins has played in the full 90 minutes of four of Palace's past five Premier League fixtures, including the draw at Arsenal and the 2-0 win at home to Sheffield United.

Hodgson recently revealed the £3m-rated 31-year-old suffered an eye injury during training which ruled him out of the midweek defeat to West Ham.

But this latest setback will come as a huge blow for the Palace boss, as Tomkins has re-established himself as a regular starter under Hodgson since the start of the year.

The Eagles have struggled defensively this season, as they have conceded 36 goals in 20 games in the top flight so far, bettered only by Premier League strugglers West Bromwich Albion, who find themselves bottom of the table.

Since his return to the starting line-up, Tomkins has been one of their standout performers, helping Palace record two clean sheets in a row for the first time since the 2019-20 season.

His contributions haven't gone unnoticed, either, earning a solid WhoScored rating of 6.46 in the process. He is currently averaging more clearances (6.2) than any other player this season, which only reemphasises the important role he has played in the Palace squad this season.

Tomkins was a colossal at the back in Palace's 2-0 win over Sheffield United, helping Hodgson's side keep their first clean sheet since the 1-0 win at home to Southampton at the start of the season, which will cause the former England manager much frustration after his side conceded three goals against West Ham in his absence.

Gary Cahill and Cheikhou Kouyate are set to resume their shaky partnership in front of Vicente Guaita, and considering Cahill's recurring injury problems in recent weeks, he could find himself exposed to a counter-attack from the likes of Ruben Neves and Pedro Neto.

Therefore, Hodgson will be hoping Tomkins can make a swift recovery ahead of their trip to Newcastle next week.

AND in other news, Crystal Palace can sign perfect Vicente Guaita replacement in Manchester United’s Sergio Romero...