Walter Benítez
CRYArgentina
Right
Jan 19, 1993
33
6'3"
201 lb
GK
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PalaceMakes Premier League debut
Benitez registered three saves and allowed zero goals in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Benitez would feature in the starting XI Sunday after Dean Henderson (illness) was unavailable, his first start in the league after experiences in France and the Netherlands. He would do well to make three saves and manage a clean sheet, a great debut for many. He will likely return to a bench role in the coming matches, as Henderson should return quickly from his illness.
Available in Conference League
Benitez (finger) is available for Thursday's clash with Dynamo Kyiv, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "We have [Walter] Benitez back in the squad."
Analysis: Benitez suffered a dislocated finger and has been out for a few weeks. The goalkeeper is only going to be a backup option for the most part and will likely remain firmly on the bench for the foreseeable future.
Returns to training
Benitez (finger) is back in training, according to James Savundra of Sky Sports.
Analysis: Benitez has missed the club's past two outings due to a dislocated finger but is nearing a return, with the goalie back in training Wednesday. This does put him in a spot to potentially return soon, although he could wait until after the break to ensure his fitness. However, he is their backup either way, likely to only see a bench spot once fit.
Dislocates finger
Benitez has dislocated his finger and will at least miss the club's next two games, according to manager Olivier Glasner. "We start with the negative: Walter Benitez was injured the day after the Millwall game. He dislocated his little finger, and he needs to rest now, so he will miss West Ham and Liverpool. We are hopeful he can come back after the Liverpool game."
Analysis: Benitez is sidelined for the time being, with the goalie out for the next two games due to a dislocated finger. This means he will miss out against West Ham and Liverpool, looking to return when facing Everton on Oct. 5. The good news for the club is this won't force a change, although they will be without their backup goalie.
Will start against Millwall
Benitez will start in his debut with Crystal Palace in Tuesday's EFL Cup game against Millwall, coach Oliver Glasner said in the press conference. "We'll play our best team available, like always. But there will be a few changes. I can confirm that Walter Benitez will have his debut for Crystal Palace."
Analysis: Benitez will be in the starting squad for Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Millwall to make his official debut for his new club after joining Palace early in the summer. The Argentine goalkeeper has been a starter across Europe since 2016 and featured regularly in both the UEL and Champions League with PSV. Benitez will look to show Dean Henderson that he is a reliable second-choice option, which should push the healthy competition between the two goalkeepers moving forward.
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