- Crystal Palace forward Wilfred Zaha has been sidelined with an injury for the last four weeks
- The winger is set to make his return this week after making a full return to training
- The forward’s return will be a big boost to Crystal Palace as they seek to end the season on a high note
Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson believes Wilfried Zaha’s return to fitness is just what the Eagles need after their first setback under Roy Hodgson.
The Palace talisman was forced off with a groin injury during his side’s 3-0 win over Leicester on April 1, depressing what was otherwise a joyous afternoon as the former England manager began his second stint in charge of his boyhood club.
Hodgson stated Zaha will be available for Saturday’s match against West Ham at Selhurst Park, where Palace will want to rebound from a 2-0 setback to Wolves on Tuesday.
“It is a huge boost, absolutely,” said Hodgson, whose side had won three straight and then drawn with Everton before that meeting.
“We are delighted to see him back on the training field, back doing the training sessions and exercises that we’ve been doing because for the last couple of weeks basically, we have seen him running around trying to bring his fitness up to a level that would enable him to take part in a Premier League match.
READ: Where is Wilfried Zaha headed to?
“Of course, you don’t want to lose your best players when you’re going into those matches, so I’m pretty certain he will give everyone a boost. I’m certain he will make our team stronger by the fact that he is now back with us, able to play.”
Crystal Palace forward Wilfred Zaha is expected to be back in action on Saturday, April 29 2023 when Palace host West Ham United in the Premier League. | PHOTO: Premier League |
Hodgson was less candid on Zaha’s future, despite the fact that the Ivory Coast international is rumoured to have been given a club-record contract to extend his stay in south London after his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Palace will also benefit from a fully fit Joachim Andersen, who was forced off against Wolves.
When Hodgson took over from Patrick Vieira just under six weeks ago, the Eagles were in a very different scenario.
Their table position has scarcely moved since before Christmas, but results elsewhere meant Palace had progressively drifted deeper into the relegation zone.
Palace currently has 37 points, and another three will almost certainly ensure their survival for another season. Hodgson is aware of it but swears it will never be mentioned in motivational talks to his team.
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