Christian Benteke set to miss six matches as Crystal Palace battle on without a striker

Crystal Palace will be without Christian Benteke for at least five Premier League matches in a major blow to their chances of recovering from their awful start.

Benteke has been ruled out for a minimum of six weeks after a scan revealed he sustained ligament damage in the 5-0 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday.

The Belgian will miss fixtures against Manchester United, Chelsea, Newcastle, West Ham and Tottenham, as well as the Carabao Cup tie against Bristol City.

His injury leaves Palace without a recognised forward and adds to growing problems facing Roy Hodgson.

Palace may look to sign a free-agent striker but Bakary Sako could start up front at Manchester United on Saturday.