Crystal Palace midfielder Jefferson Lerma has outlined when he expects to return from injury, while also admitting he is not currently playing in his preferred role.
Speaking toESPN, the Colombia international provided an update on his recovery from a hamstring issue that forced him off against Burnley. Palace manager Oliver Glasner had already confirmed the problem would sideline him for around three weeks.
This update comes afterColombian press showed significant concern last week over the severity of his injury, particularly with the March international break approaching. There had been fears he could miss the upcoming call-up window. Now, Lerma has offered more clarity on the timeline.
“I am fine. Unfortunately we have had a small setback of four weeks, but as these days go by we feel better sensations. We believe we will be back around the week of the 7th or 13th,” he told ESPN.
That timeframe would see him return in mid-March, potentially in time for Colombia’s upcoming international fixtures against France and Croatia in the United States. For Palace, however, the focus is on getting him fit for the final stretch of the campaign.
Crystal Palace player not rushing
Lerma admitted the emotional weight of international football, but stressed that logic must prevail during recovery.
“Many emotions come into play because of everything it means to be with the national team. But in the end reason comes first and you have to be strong. The first days are always an emotional shock, but you know that tomorrow the sun comes out,” he said.
His rehabilitation is progressing well, and the expectation inside Palace is that he will rejoin the squad in the second week of March if there are no setbacks.
Why current role isn’t his best
This season, Lerma has also been used as a centre-back. While he has filled in competently, he made it clear where he feels most comfortable.
“It was not something new, I had already done it. If you make me choose, I prefer to play as a defensive midfielder,”he added.
That preference could become relevant as Crystal Palace approach decisive matches in Europe and the league. The tie against Zrinjski is level at 1-1, and a win in London would send Palace through to the last 16 of their first continental competition.
For now, though, the priority is recovery. If Lerma returns around 13 March, Palace will regain an experienced option for the run-in – and he may yet push to re-establish himself in his favoured midfield role.