Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner says he needs to buy a striker in January to continue the club’s successful season.
Palace go into the weekend in fifth place in the Premier League but down in 18th place in the Conference League after a midweek defeat to Strasbourg.
Juust 16 players have started in the Premier League for the Eagles last season as Glasner juggles European football with a small squad.
And, with former Watford forward Ismaila Sarr set to play in the African Cup of Nations for Senegal in Morocco from late December, the boss wants reinforcements.
“I think we need to [bring in a forward],” Glasner said.
“Ismalia (Sarr) will also leave us (Afcon). He is the only player who makes runs in behind. I think we just have to have this profile again.
“The players on the bench are a different profile; we need players to stretch the defence, and I hope we will get it done.”
When asked if this was the key to having success in the second half of the season, Glasner said: “Yes.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta is Palace’s main forward, but with Sarr gone the Eagles will only have Romain Esse, Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino as options in the wider areas.
Glasner named a strong side for the defeat at Strasbourg but confirmed that England defender Marc Guehi was not injured.
Guehi came off at half time but the move was planned, with Glasner learning to rotate his squad.
He said: “We started with three new players yesterday. We managed Marc Guehi’s and Chris Richards’ minutes, and yes, maybe [we should have rotated more], but it’s always the question afterwards.
“Pep (Guardiola) rotated 10 players, and then it was too much, and then we rotated three, then it’s maybe too less, and then you rotate five, then it’s also not okay at the end.
“It’s always when you win, you have done everything right, and if you lose, then questions are asked.”
