Alex Marrow has been left in limbo after Preston North End sent him back to Crystal Palace.

The 22-year-old was sent on loan to the League One club until the end of the season in January but made only four appearances before a rumoured fall-out with manager Graham Westley.

That meant Marrow came back to Palace but, due to the terms of the loan deal, he is still registered to the Lilywhites and cannot play for the Eagles.

“They cut his loan short as, for whatever reason, they did not want him back,” said Palace boss Dougie Freedman.

“And, because it is out of the window he cannot play for us.

“It is very unfortunate for those that are missing out.

“Alex Marrow misses out on playing games, we miss out on a player and Preston miss out on a player – but they are paying the money so it is their decision.

“I am really struggling with injuries defensively so it is a real shame.”

With Anthony Gardner and Paul McShane out, Freedman played left back Dean Moxey alongside Paddy McCarthy at centre back in Saturday’s 3-0 loss to Nottingham Forest.

With two games in three days this Easter, play-off hopefuls Birmingham City away on Saturday and leaders Southampton at home on Monday, the timing could not be worse for Palace.

But, instead of complaining about injuries, Freedman preferred to see the games as a challenge and a chance to see some players who have not had much action.

“I do not want to be a manager that whinges and talks about injuries all the time,” he said.

“It couldn’t be a harder Easter weekend but it gives an opportunity for the players and I am going to have to utilise the squad.

“It is certainly a challenge and one I am really looking forward to.”