Palace manager Trevor Francis faces an injury nightmare for the Boxing Day derby against Millwall at the New Den.

Hot-shot Dougie Freedman had to limp off with a hamstring injury in Palace's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park last Thursday night.

There are problems in defence too. Jamie Smith is also doubtful with a thigh strain received in the game against Forest, while Tony Popovic and Hayden Mullins are also set to sit it out.

If Freedman does miss the game, it will be a major blow for the Eagles, who will be keen to avvenge the 3-1 defeat to the Lions in September.

Freedman, who has 15 goals this season, said: "I have had a problem with my hamstring for a few weeks and it was getting worse as the game went on, so I had to come off.

"Hopefully, it will not be too serious and I will be able to play on Boxing Day."

Last Thursday night Palace made the worst possible start when Forest went ahead in the second minute through their consistent striker Stern John.

Nicky Summerbee skipped past Craig Harrison on the left and his far post cross was met by John, who headed beyond Alex Kolinko.

But Palace rallied and Clinton Morrison deservedly equaliser in the 37th minute.

Jamie Smith's cross to the far post was headed back across the goal by Trevor Benjamin, on loan from Leicester City, for Morrison to finish from close range.

Freedman said: "I was more disappointed because we know we can play a lot better. We took a point but we should be taking all three, especially at home.

"The manager gave us a right rollocking because we played so poorly and we were lucky to get a point.

"Palace fans deserve a lot better and we are disappointed to have let them down. We've had a terrible run lately, but we are still in play-off contention."

Freedman played a deeper role against Forest, allowing Benjamin to play up alongside Morrison.

Freedman added: "I was fine with the role and I'm always happy as long as I'm playing.

"It doesn't matter where I play, I try to get involved and make things happen.

"I was involved in the build up for our goal and I should have scored myself. But Trevor had a decent game and he has a physical presence which helped us up front."

Francis said: "It's looking doubtful that Freedman or Jamie Smith will play, as they are both carrying injuries, but we will have to wait and see."

Palace go into the game against Millwall level on points in seventh position and are on a poor run which has seen them win once in the last eight games.

This Saturday, Palace travel to Bradford City before returning to Selhurst Park to play Gillingham on New Year's Day

December 21, 2001 16:30