Walter Benitez in action for Crystal Palace, with Pierre Sage in a circular inset
Walter Benitez in action for Crystal Palace, with Pierre Sage in a circular inset
Crystal Palace fear Walter Benitez could look to find a new club in the January transfer window despite his recent performances.
The 33-year-old has been outstanding since coming into the side to replace the injured Dean Henderson, in his first real run of games since he joined the club last summer.
He is set to start Crystal Palace's Europa League clash against Lyon on Thursday night, but his rival goalkeeper is expected to come straight back in when he returns from injury.
As a result, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Benitez could assess his options about a move away in search of regular first-team action.
The shot-stopper was linked with a return to his native Argentina during the summer, with River Plate having been long-term admirers, while a return to France was also tipped.
While Crystal Palace are hopeful they can hold on to both Benitez and Henderson, there are concerns about behind-the-scenes issues and it could be tough to keep both happy.
Is Walter Benitez causing issues for Crystal Palace?
Brown warned Football Insider on 13 October that Bentiez's form could cause a selection dilemma for Crystal Palace when Henderson returns from his spell on the sidelines.
After his performance in their 3-1 win against Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park, the goalkeeper has received high praise from the supporters and his manager.
Pierre Sage will now be given a problem, and with Henderson expected to return before long, he could find his second-choice goalkeeper looking for a move away.
"This is a problem that comes up whenever you have two top-class goalkeepers," Brown told Football Insider.
"I've had it before where managers have complained to me that it's causing them problems, having more than one goalkeeper who is capable of being the number one.
"I've always argued that you'd rather have a capable backup, as Benitez is, than somebody who means your standards drop when your usual first choice is unavailable.
"But quite often, players don't think the same way, and they'll be knocking on the manager's door asking for more playing time, and potentially looking at moves away.
"For Benitez, he was linked with a move away during the summer, and now he's had this run of games where he has proven he can be an important part of the starting XI.
"Henderson will return when he's back from injury, though, so I think there is a chance Benitez could push for a move elsewhere if he does want to be playing every week.
"He's good enough to do it, but from Palace's point of view, they will be hopeful that they can keep both players because it's such a valuable asset for them to have."
What is the latest on Dean Henderson's injury?
Henderson's absence from recent games has come as a result of an ankle injury which he picked up during pre-season, and aggravated during Palace's early-season run.
Sage previously pointed to the international break as a realistic timeframe for the goalkeeper's return, but he will miss the first two games following Palace's return to action.
Their upcoming clash against Brighton has now been earmarked as a potential return date, with Palace being careful not to rush Henderson back in and risk another setback.
In the meantime, Benitez has proved a more than capable backup, and can continue to play an important role until his rival's return, when he will mount a challenge for the position.
Henderson's role as club captain, alongside the displays he has put in on the biggest stages for Palace, mean he remains the first-choice and is likely to come straight back in when fit.