Football
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Crystal Palace's James McArthur tears ankle ligaments

Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur is likely to miss the rest of the season after tearing his ankle ligaments.

Palace boss Alan Pardew said that both McArthur and Jason Puncheon, who has a hamstring problem, are facing long periods on the sidelines.

"We've had some disappointing news," Pardew told reporters on Thursday. "McArthur is out for a long period and Puncheon will be missing for a long period.

"Puncheon and McArthur have both been having fabulous seasons for us, so that's a significant blow."

He added: "Jordon Mutch and Chungy [Lee Chung-yong] are going to be in the frame now, putting pressure on those guys while they're out."

McArthur later posted on Twitter to say he did not expect to play again in the run-in, writing: "Looks like season over for me with ankle ligaments tore. Just another challenge in my career to make sure I work hard and come back stronger."

Pardew had more positive news on several other players, though, ahead of Saturday's game away to Swansea City.

"Dwight Gayle has trained today and is available," he said. "Sullay Kaikai has trained and is available -- he's a player I probably would have used this period without Yannick Bolasie.

"[Yohan] Cabaye has got a very good chance of playing."

He added that Bolasie and Bakary Sako could be fit in time for the FA Cup fifth-round game against Tottenham on Feb. 20.

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