Jefferson Lerma
CRYColombia
Right
Oct 25, 1994
31
5'10"
154 lb
CM
CB
Box-to-Box
PalaceOption from bench
Lerma (undisclosed) is on the bench for Thursday's match against Tottenham.
Analysis: Lerma was expected to return for Thursday's match against Spurs, and that has come to fruition, with the midfielder landing on the bench. He was previously serving as a center-back before the injury, earning five straight starts between that spot and the midfield. The question moving forward is whether his versatility will provide him more time moving forward, although the defense does appear to be at full health again.
Back available Thursday
Lerma (undisclosed) is back available for Thursday's clash against Tottenham but is not ready to start and could be limited to around 15 minutes, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "Jefferson is back in the squad but not ready to start. He trained with us and is ok. It's quite early, but if we need him for 15-20 minutes at the end we have him. He's available for 15-20 minutes. That means it is either Riad or Clyne will play in defense. They are the options we have and one of them will start."
Analysis: Lerma is back available for Thursday's clash against Tottenham after missing the last four matches across all competitions due to injury, though he is not ready to start and could be limited to around 15 minutes. The versatile midfielder had been a starter prior to the setback and is likely to gradually reclaim his spot in the back line as he regains full match fitness. Chadi Riad or Nathaniel Clyne are the main candidates to start in the back line.
Expected to miss three weeks
Lerma has picked up an injury that will sideline him for upcoming contests, with manager Oliver Glasner saying "Jeff Lerma had to go off against Burnley . We're expecting to miss him for about three weeks."
Analysis: Lerma left the last Premier League matchup after recording an assist and an own goal, but he ended up dealing with a considerable issue. The defensive midfielder, who has recently been deployed at center-back, was a regular member of the lineup in recent games. Chadi Riad could be selected as his replacement along with Jaydee Canvot.
Assist and own goal
Lerma assisted once to go with an own goal, one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Burnley. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 36th minute.
Analysis: Lerma endured a rollercoaster outing in Wednesday's match against Burnley, first delivering a superb cross to assist Jorgen Strand Larsen before scoring an own goal just before halftime. The Colombian, who has recently secured a starting role, has tallied 18 tackles, 16 interceptions and 46 clearances across 23 appearances this season.
Starts after concussion
Lerma (concussion) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Sunderland.
Analysis: Lerma returns to the starting lineup after being cleared from concussion protocol ahead of Saturday's match against the Black Cats. He had missed the club's previous outing due to the head injury but is now fully available again. With the defender fit, he resumes his role in the starting XI after previously holding that spot before being sidelined.
Out of protocol
Lerma (concussion) is an option for Saturday's match against Sunderland, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Jefferson can play again tomorrow. He has trained this week."
Analysis: Lerma had been out of the club's last match as he entered concussion protocol, but is now an option again, cleared of the head injury. He has previously been in a starting role before the concussion and will probably fall back to that spot with the defense fit again, returning to more of a depth option between midfield and defense.
Out with concussion
Lerma (concussion) is out for Wednesday's match against Aston Villa, according to Manager Oliver Glasner. "Jefferson is out because of the concussion. He will follow the concussion protocol and be available for the game against Sunderland."
Analysis: Lerma is not going to be with the team for their midweek match after his first half exit last time out, as the midfielder has entered concussion protocol, forcing him out at least a game. The club has leaned on the midfielder to start in the defense in their past three games, so this is a tough loss, with Jaydee Canvot earn the start in his place. Lerma is planning to return next match when facing Sunderland on Jan. 17, likely to return to a bench role if the defense remains fit.
Picks up injury
Lerma was forced off in the 38th minute of Sunday's match against Newcastle due to an apparent injury.
Analysis: Lerma would last until just before halftime Sunday before he finally had to leave the field, going down a few times before an injury ended his day. He was already covering for an injured Chris Richards (ankle), so this is something to monitor. He was replaced by Jaydee Convot, who will likely earn more time if he continues on the sidelines.
Three crosses in Sunday's loss
Lerma generated three crosses (zero accurate) and two chances created in Sunday's 1-0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 85th minute.
Analysis: Lerma made his way back into the starting XI Sunday although he did so as a center back in Palace's back three. He was surprisingly invovled in the attack despite his position, finishing the match with three crosses (all inaccurate) and two chances created. He was solid on the defensive end too, winning four duels, making two clearances and intercepting two passes in his full 90 minutes of action. With Chris Richards (ankle) questionable for Thursday's match at Fulham, Lerma could be in line to make another start on the back line.
First league assist
Lerma assisted once to go with one shot (zero on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Brentford.
Analysis: Lerma stepped in for Adam Wharton (illness) for his second league start and made the most of it, registering his first assist and earning the Man of the Match award. He has created just two chances in eight appearances while attempting seven shots and four crosses. His role this season has largely been as a substitute in midfield and as defensive cover when required.
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