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Crystal Palace striker crisis: Christian Benteke injury forces basement boys to turn to unknown Freddie Ladapo or send SOS call for Rickie Lambert, Giuseppe Rossi or David N'Gog

You may or may not have heard of Freddie Ladapo – the 24-year-old who has yet to appear in the Premier League and was playing for non-League Margate last year.

Now, he is Crystal Palace's only fit centre forward following the knee injury to Christian Benteke which will keep the Belgian out for six weeks.

Palace are looking at free agents in their desperation but a debut could follow for Ladapo against Manchester United away this weekend.

Crystal Palace could be forced to turn to the unheralded Freddie Ladapo up front
Crystal Palace could be forced to turn to the unheralded Freddie Ladapo up front after Christian Benteke (right) was ruled out for six weeks leaving them with no proven strikers
Christian Benteke was ruled out for six weeks leaving them with no proven strikers

Searching for their first Premier League goal of the season, Palace are scratching their heads and wondering how they got themselves into such a perilous position.