Medical expert: Vicente Guaita may have ‘nerve damage’ after Crystal Palace reveal
It is possible that Crystal Palace goalkeeper Vicente Guaita may have suffered “nerve damage” against Chelsea last Saturday (19 February).
That is the view of injury expert Ben Dinnery, who runs the Premier Injuries site and has a background in medicine and data analysis.
Guaita was replaced at half-time by backup shot-stopper Jack Butland in Palace’s eventual 1-0 defeat to Chelsea.
Patrick Vieira told football.london later that day that the 35-year-old Spaniard “felt something behind his knee and decided to stop.”
Dinnery claims that nerve damage, muscle problems or a contusion could have caused the Guaita to end his game early.
“It’s difficult to tell with this one,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“We don’t know if it was an impact injury from a coming together or an awkward landing.
“That would mean there is bruising or contusion around that knee.
“Or it could be soft tissue-related. That can be caused by repetitive mechanical stress.
“The prime candidates would be muscle problem, contusion, or it could even be nerve damage. Those are the most likely based on what we know.
“The timeline depends on the nature of the setback but Jack Butland is a more than able deputy.
“Given that there is such a strong number two at the club, they won’t take any risks.”
Guaita has started in 22 of the Eagles’ 25 Premier League games this season.
Butland has made nine appearances since his move from Stoke City in October 2020.
In other news, pundit issues £45million-plus Newcastle United transfer claim as Crystal Palace raid reported.