Alan Pardew has admitted that the sale of Glenn Murray has blunted the Eagles’ talons.

The striker’s move to Premier League rivals AFC Bournemouth, in addition to ongoing injuries, has left Crystal Palace short of options in the frontline.

Marouane Chamakh is nearing a return to fitness, but Connor Wickham is out for at least another week – while Fraizer Campbell and Dwight Gayle have not made the most of their runs in the team.

It has shown in the “goals for” column with Palace only scoring four in the past six games, three of which came from the penalty spot.

And, ahead of tomorrow’s visit of Manchester United, Pardew is sweating on the fitness of Yohan Cabaye, the penalty king, Joel Ward and Pape Souare – although Jason Puncheon is fit.

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew has no complaints after Manchester City thrashing

Crystal Palace boss calls on Selhurst Park faithful to keep on singing ahead of Manchester United clash

Pardew said: “Attack is an area that we need to improve on. Connor's injury and Glenn's departure has affected us.

“We've had to adjust to a different type of striker in Campbell, Gayle or Bamford. And Bolasie has done well when he's been up front too.

“Chamakh is back, we just need to give him a pre-season first.”

He added: “The skipper's back. Ward's getting back, Souare too. Wickham will be next week. We should be well set for Newcastle [on November 28].”