Glenn Murray: Crystal Palace striker could miss nine months

Crystal Palace physiotherapist Alex Manos says striker Glenn Murray may not return to action until 2014.

The 29-year-old ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in their play-off match against Brighton and underwent surgery last week.

"It's difficult to tell an exact timeframe because different people recover in different ways," Manos said.

"But with this type of injury and the severity of it, you are looking at upwards of six months."

Murray had scored 30 goals in 42 league appearances to help the Eagles to the Championship play-offs and signed a new three-year deal last month.

"The best case scenario could be six months, but it could take up to nine, or even longer," Manos told the club website.

"It just depends on whether there are any complications during his rehab and how well he progresses with that.

"It's impossible to target a date at this stage and it wouldn't really be very beneficial to either the player or the staff here. You really do have to take it week-by-week and assess how he's going.

"It was a successful operation - it all went well and according to plan. He spent a couple of nights in hospital afterwards, but he's now back at home and doing well."