Dean Henderson
CRY
Goalkeeper
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Mar 12, 1997 (29)
Right
6'2"
187 lb
Likely to return in EFL Cup
Henderson (foot) is likely to play Wednesday against Fulham in the EFL Cup, according to manager Pierre Sage. "I think he will play on Wednesday."
Analysis: Henderson is trending in the right direction after missing the last eight matches, and all signs point to him guarding the goal at Craven Cottage in the cup. If that's the case, Henderson could also be set to return to action in the EPL when Palace take on Tottenham on Saturday. Henderson wasn't at his best in the early days of the 2026/27 season, though, conceding eight goals and making 12 saves in three league appearances. His return would push Walter Benitez to the bench.
Still sidelined with foot injury
Henderson (foot) has been ruled out of Sunday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United despite recently returning to team training.
Analysis: Henderson remains unavailable after failing to recover in time for Sunday's encounter against Newcastle, extending his absence to eight consecutive matches across all competitions. The goalkeeper resumed team training Monday and had been considered a potential option for the weekend, but he is not yet ready to return to competitive action. Walter Benitez has been selected to start in goal once again, continuing to benefit from Henderson's absence. The England international's return to training is encouraging, although his availability for Palace's next fixture remains uncertain.
Could return Sunday, out Thursday
Henderson (foot) is out for Thursday's match against Besiktas but could be an option to face Newcastle on Sunday, according to manager Pierre Sage. "Dean started to train with the team on Monday. We will see this weekend if he's able to play, but he's not with us for tomorrow."
Analysis: Henderson is nearing a return but will not yet see the field, as the goalie will miss out on UEL action Thursday as he recovers. However, he could be an option heading into the weekend, not ruled out to face Newcastle on Sunday. This would be a major return for the team after a six-game absence, as he is their starting keeper. If he were to return, a starting role should come immediately, dropping Walter Benitez back to the bench.
Still unavailable due to foot injury
Henderson (foot) remains sidelined for Sunday's Premier League meeting with Brighton, having failed to receive clearance to return to Crystal Palace's matchday squad.
Analysis: Henderson's absence against Brighton marks his sixth consecutive missed match across all competitions as he continues recovering from a foot injury. The goalkeeper had been targeting a return following the international break, but he was unable to feature against Nottingham Forest or Lyon and has now been ruled out again. Walter Benitez will continue deputizing between the posts, having taken over goalkeeping duties during Henderson's absence. The England international remains Palace's first-choice goalkeeper when healthy and is expected to reclaim his starting position once medically cleared, although his exact return date remains uncertain.
Remains uncertain for Brighton
Henderson (foot) remains uncertain for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton, with his availability dependent on upcoming training sessions, according to coach Pierre Sage. "That's why we have to evaluate his chance to come back in the team, and it's the same for the other players. It's not a way to not say it, but for the moment I don't really know. I prefer to wait for the session of today - maybe the one tomorrow too - but for the moment we hope, we expect it, but we don't know."
Analysis: Henderson has missed Crystal Palace's last five matches across all competitions due to injury, including the recent fixtures against Nottingham Forest and Lyon. The goalkeeper had initially been targeting a return for either Thursday's Europa League clash or Sunday's meeting with Brighton, but his availability remains uncertain pending further assessment in training. Walter Benitez is expected to continue in goal if Henderson is unable to return, while the latter should reclaim his starting role once fully fit.
Still sidelined Thursday
Henderson (foot) will not be available for Thursday's Europa League match against Lyon, coach Pierre Sage confirmed at Wednesday's press conference. "JP Mateta will not be here tomorrow, Henderson too"
Analysis: Henderson remains sidelined for Thursday's game against Lyon, pushing back his anticipated return to the pitch. Manager Pierre Sage had originally positioned the Lyon fixture alongside Sunday's match against Brighton on October 18 as realistic targets for his comeback. The weekend encounter against Brighton now becomes the focal point for the captain's return, leaving Walter Benitez to manage goalkeeping duties in the interim.
Unavailable against Nottingham
Henderson (undisclosed) has been ruled out for Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest but could return against Lyon or Brighton, according to coach Pierre Sage. "He will not be available for the game this weekend, and it's the same for Dean Henderson and Takehiro Tomiyasu. But we expect all three of them to come back for Lyon, or Brighton."
Analysis: Henderson will remain sidelined against Nottingham Forest despite previous optimism that he could return immediately after the international break. The goalkeeper is now targeting either the upcoming clash against Lyon or the following Premier League fixture against Brighton on Oct. 18. Walter Benitez is expected to start in goal against Nottingham in his absence, while Henderson should reclaim his role as Palace's first-choice goalkeeper once fully recovered.
Could return after break
Henderson is more likely than Jean-Philippe Mateta to return after the international break, according to Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage, per Christopher Reidy. "I think Dean will be more sure. Because Mateta is more uncertain, that's why we have to wait."
Analysis: Henderson is now expected to return before Jean-Philippe Mateta after the international break, with manager Pierre Sage expressing greater confidence in the goalkeeper's recovery. While the manager has not provided a firm date, Henderson's return appears to be further along, whereas Mateta's timeline remains more uncertain. Once available, Henderson should immediately resume his role as Palace's first-choice goalkeeper, having made 119 appearances and kept 38 clean sheets for the club.
Signs new deal, expected fit after break
Henderson has signed a new contract with Crystal Palace that will keep him at the club through 2030 and is eyeing a return after the international break, according to manager Pierre Sage. "I hope it will be after the international break. With long injuries, there's more or less days. That's why we hope, and we will see."
Analysis: Henderson has established himself as Palace's undisputed starting goalkeeper and a key figure in the side since joining from Manchester United in 2023. The 29-year-old has made 119 appearances for the club while recording 38 clean sheets and has also taken on an increased leadership role, captaining Palace during their successful Conference League campaign last season, likely to remain their long-term keeper following the extension. It was a good day for the goalie all-around, as it was also confirmed that he is eyeing a return after the international break. He should resume in his starting role once back, with Walter Benitez returning to the bench.
Won't return before break
Henderson is dealing with a foot injury and won't be an option before the international break, according to coach Pierre Sage. "And for our 'keeper Dean, he sustained an injury before the season against Freiburg and now it's too much for him [to play]. He needs some recovery and he'll maybe be back with us during the international break."
Analysis: Henderson made five saves in a recent win over Fulham but is still searching for his first clean sheet of the season, conceding eight goals through three appearances. The goalie is still dealing with a foot issue he suffered in the last pre-season friendly against Freiburg and will recover in the coming weeks with the aim to return during the international break. Walter Benitez will make his first Premier League start in goal in his absence, with Henderson's return now targeted for around the international break.
Five saves
Henderson registered five saves and allowed two goals in Saturday's 3-2 win over Fulham.
Analysis: Henderson made five saves but allowed two goals against Fulham on Saturday. He's still searching for his first clean sheet of the season, conceding eight goals through three appearances while posting nine saves and two high claims, a solid statistical start despite the lack of a shutout.
Allows four against City
Henderson made four saves and allowed four goals in Friday's 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Analysis: Henderson did well to make four saves, but that was ultimately not enough to stop City, as they still put four past him. This comes after he allowed two goals in their season opener, now allowing multiple goals in both contests this season. He will look to recover next contest, facing Fulham on Sept. 5.
Concedes two goals in defeat
Henderson made three saves and allowed two goals in Saturday's 2-0 loss to Everton.
Analysis: Henderson made three saves in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Everton, denying Iliman Ndiaye's strike before being beaten by Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall's angled drive and Thierno Barry's header. The goalkeeper faces an immediate test of character heading into the Manchester City fixture, with a difficult opening day raising early questions about his side's defensive organization at the start of the 2026-27 campaign.
Starts against Everton
Henderson (ankle) has been passed fit for Saturday's Premier League opener against Everton after recovering from a twist sustained in last week's preseason friendly against Freiburg, with the goalkeeper is back in his starting XI.
Analysis: Henderson returns to the starting XI after suffering a minor ankle twist in the final preseason friendly against Freiburg. He received several days of treatment but has recovered in time to start Saturday's season opener.
Late call for Everton clash
Henderson faces a race to be fit for Saturday's match against Everton after suffering an ankle twist in last week's final preseason friendly at Freiburg, according to coach Pierre Sage. "He had a little twist in his ankle against Freiburg. We want him to play. But we gave him a few days of treatment to allow him to be in his best shape. He will train today with the goalkeeping coaches and we will take the decision tomorrow. But we are hopeful he is able to play."
Analysis: Henderson's setback comes just as he'd worked his way back into full training and reestablished himself as Palace's undisputed number one following a standout campaign that included 37 starts, 11 clean sheets and a run of important saves down the stretch, plus an England start in the World Cup win over France. He'll train with the club's goalkeeping coaches Thursday before a final call is made on his fitness. Walter Benitez is expected to start between the posts if Henderson is ultimately ruled out.
Set for new season
Henderson is ready for the new season with Crystal Palace as he was spotted back in the training ground, according to the club.
Analysis: Henderson started 37 of Palace's Premier League matches last season, keeping 11 clean sheets while making a series of important saves down the stretch. He capped his season by starting for England in the 6-4 win over France at the World Cup, his only appearance across eight matches for the Three Lions, making five saves in that outing. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he continues serving as Palace's undisputed number one.
Makes five saves versus France
Henderson made five saves and allowed four goals in Saturday's 6-4 win versus France.
Analysis: Henderson showed his shot-stopping skills after being chosen over Jordan Pickford for the only time in eight World Cup matches. However, with his team unable to maintain their first-half dominance, the Crystal Palace goalkeeper allowed almost as many goals as his number of saves. He'll now have several weeks of inactivity before starting another club season, where he'll likely play a consistent role.
Five saves in last league game
Henderson registered five saves and allowed two goals in Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Arsenal.
Analysis: Henderson came up with four saves in Sunday's 2-1 season finale loss at home to Arsenal, including a point-blank denial on Eberechi Eze's last-second effort that kept his former teammate off the scoresheet just before the title celebrations kicked off. He was beaten by Gabriel Jesus on a near-post finish in the 42nd minute and had no shot at stopping Noni Madueke's volley early in the second half, with neither goal falling on him. Henderson wraps the campaign with 37 Premier League starts, 11 clean sheets, and a career-high 106 saves, and now shifts focus to the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27 in Basel before linking up with England for the 2026 World Cup.
One save in draw
Henderson had one save and allowed two goals in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Brentford. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 95th minute.
Analysis: Henderson made one save in Sunday's 2-2 draw at Brentford but was beaten twice by Dango Ouattara, first on a deflected header right before halftime and then on an 88th-minute headed equalizer off Sepp van den Berg's flick from Michael Kayode's long throw. He was largely in control for most of the match before the late collapse, with Crystal Palace dictating big stretches of play. Henderson will now look to bounce back and finish strong in Sunday's season finale against Arsenal.
Allows three against City
Henderson registered one save and allowed three goals in Wednesday's 3-0 loss to Manchester City.
Analysis: Henderson had a rough match against City as he found his team defending most of the match, allowing three goals while recording one save. This is the fourth straight outing in league play without a clean sheet for the goalie, remaining at 11 this season. He will have a rough schedule to end the season, facing Igor Thiago and Brentford before Arsenal on the final day of the season.
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