CRYSTAL Palace manager Dougie Freedman will not be rushing back Jonathan Williams or skipper Paddy McCarthy from injury despite a hectic start to the Championship campaign.

The Eagles surrendered a 2-1 lead they held until the 88th minute in Saturday’s opener against Watford and ended up losing the game 3-2.

But there is no time to dwell on the result as tomorrow evening Palace head to Bristol City before making the long trek north to Middlesbrough on Saturday, with Williams and McCarthy again both likely to be missing.

Freedman said: “Jonny Williams has got a calf strain.

“He’s coming along but as a result of his broken leg last year, he keeps picking up small injuries in and around that leg.

“But we should have him back in a week or so.”

On McCarthy, the Selhurst boss added: “Paddy’s groin is playing up.

“He came off in the Reading game and we’ve just got to be strong.

“There’s no point throwing them in and hoping for the best.

“They will be back when they are back we will be a lot stronger.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt