Palace manager Hodgson says Eze set for return to starting side

English Woman's Journal - Palace manager Hodgson says Eze set for return to starting side

Weather - London 7°C

Palace manager Hodgson says Eze set for return to starting side

SPORTS 20.12.2023

Palace manager Hodgson says Eze set for return to starting side / Photo: Adrian DENNIS - AFP

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson has said Eberechi Eze is on "the cusp" of a return to the first XI as he prepares to be without Joel Ward, his club captain.

Change text size:

Ward went off injured soon after the 30-minute mark of a 2-2 draw against Manchester City on Saturday and will have to be replaced for Thursday's home Premier League clash against Brighton.

"Joel Ward, as I think everyone knows, picked up an injury, unfortunately, last weekend," Hodgson told a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.

"He's had a scan, so we will be missing him for a while. So that is a new injury concern."

Teenager David Ozoh starred off the bench and the 18-year-old could continue in the team, while Eze, on in the 89th minute against City following a three-week absence, is pressing for a return to the starting side.

"The ones who have been injured are making good progress," said Hodgson.

"Ebere Eze is coming on very well. He is on the cusp, really, and it's a decision we will have to make over the course of the next few hours (on Wednesday).

"We have had a real (fitness) boost over the last couple of weeks with the emergence of a couple of younger players."

The former England manager added: "When given the chance to get on the field, which has happened with the amount of injuries, they have also given us great hope and belief that the future is going to be bright for the club and the team.

"But of course, the immediate future is most concerning and tomorrow night we want to get back to winning ways if we can."

Palace have not won since November 4, taking just two points from a possible 18.

But goalkeeper Dean Henderson was glad to have played his part in securing a point against Premier League champions City with several saves.

Now the 26-year-old is looking forward to making his home debut at Selhurst Park.

"It's been a long year for me, so I'm just delighted to put on the Palace colours. Thanks to all the fans for supporting me," Henderson told the club's website.

"There's one place to get sharp and that's in the Etihad goalmouth! It's nice to get a few saves in there. Now we're at home. We've got to attack the game and have a right go at them (Brighton)."

K.Marshall--EWJ

Featured

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: