Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson insists he can handle it if they do not buy in January.

Despite striker Christian Benteke still not being ready for a return against Chelsea on Sunday, Hodgson said he would be “sanguine" if there were no buys in the January window.

“Obviously we have our targets," he said.

“We have people we would hope, if they were available, we could persuade to come but it is all work in progress. Who knows if anything will happen?

"I still think the most important thing is that we keep building and keep faith with the squad we have. I don't think we have a bad squad of players. It is a difficult market in January. I am very realistic and sanguine about it all.

“If something happens, I would be delighted. If it doesn't, I won't be bleating too much as long as I still have this group of players I have got here to work with."