Friday 16 September 2016 10:12, UK
Crystal Palace's Pape Souare could be out for six months following a car accident, manager Alan Pardew has revealed.
The Senegalese defender remains in hospital after being involved in a crash on the M4 last week.
Souare suffered injuries to both his thigh and jaw and has undergone surgery, with a number of his team-mates visiting him over the last few days.
Pardew said: "He's very lucky his injuries aren't as bad as they could have been. The extent of some of the muscular injuries are still not known.
"I don't think we have any concerns [about Pape returning]. It was a broken thigh, that should repair as normal.
Asked how long Souare would be out for Pardew added: "Four, five months. Maybe six. He should be up and running again.
"Hopefully Pape will be out tomorrow. It was a terrible accident. We owe a huge debt to the London Air Ambulance and the terrific surgeons he has had who have pieced him together.
"He's in decent spirits considering and obviously our players and the team have been with him, particularly the doctors, who have done a super job.
"We think he'll make a full recovery. I'm pretty sure a good collection have gone up to see him.
"He's a bit embarrassed because his jaw is big but in all seriousness, it was a serious incident. Apologies to all involved and thanks to all who helped.
"He isn't having the best of times, but we're all very supporting. We love Pape and can't wait to have him back."
