Crystal Palace goalkeeper Jack Butland has sustained a broken hand in pre-season action. 

The lowdown

Having watched Palace's first two friendlies from the sidelines, Butland started against Manchester United in Melbourne on 19 July.

However, he would last only 14 minutes before he had to come off, with 28-year-old Remi Matthews replacing him.

The Eagles have signed a goalkeeper this summer, bringing in Sam Johnstone on a free transfer after his West Brom contract expired.

Johnstone has yet to play as he nurses his own injury issue - a thigh problem - but Patrick Vieira can also call upon Vicente Guaita.

Palace are due to meet Ligue 1 outfit Montpellier at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon in what is their final friendly before they kick-off the Premier League campaign against Arsenal next Friday.

The latest

BBC reporter Alex Howell relayed an update from Butland on Twitter.

'Butland says he has a broken hand' but fortunately for Vieira and Crystal Palace, 'it does not require surgery'.

The Englishman 'picked up the injury playing against Manchester United', he confirms.

The verdict

Whilst it is a positive that Butland won't have to undergo surgery, he still faces a spell on the treatment table at the start of the new season.

The £44,000-per-week ace notched 15 appearances last season, including nine in the Premier League, as Vieira made occasional changes between the sticks.

The fact that he's chosen to stay put this summer even after Johnstone's arrival suggests he's hopeful of competing for the no. 1 spot once again.

Palace also have Michael Olise on their injury list ahead of the new season, but he's currently expected to return in time for Arsenal.