The 25-year-old striker, linked to Middlesbrough and Sunderland, has been described as “an impatient person” by the Eagles boss.
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has described Connor Wickham as an “impatient person” and appeared to point the finger at him for his long-term injury woes.
Over the past two years, the former Sunderland striker has found himself on the sidelines several times with injuries including a cruciate ligament rupture, a groin strain and a calf issue, according to Transfermarkt.
Now building his match fitness back up, Wickham came off the bench on Boxing Day against Cardiff City, against Chelsea at Selhurst Park four days later and again in the win at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Although this suggests he might soon be able to get more minutes under his belt, Hodgson has stressed that he cannot rush the attacker into action, appearing to offer him a stern rebuke in the process over the last two years of issues.
After suggesting that it would be a while before Wickham can seriously be considered for a permanent first-team berth, the manager told Football.London: “When that day comes, I don’t know, but we are showing him the respect that he deserves and we are giving him the time that we and the medical department believe he needs.
“Our experience shows that he is an impatient person and he believes that he is fit quicker than he is, and as a result for two years, that’s why he has not played, and maybe it would have only been one year.”
On Saturday afternoon, Palace face Grimsby Town at Selhurst Park in the third round of the FA Cup, but it remains to be seen just how much action Wickham will get, given Hodgson’s comments and intentions.
According to TEAMtalk, Middlesbrough in the Championship and League One club Sunderland are interested in signing the 25-year-old this January, but by the sounds of it, he may have to bide his time at his parent club rather than be rushed into action elsewhere and risk more injury trouble.
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