Palace manager Hodgson has confirmed that Eze is set to return to the starting side.
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.
Ward was hurt shortly after the 30-minute mark of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City and will have to be replaced for Thursday’s home Premier League match against Brighton.
“Joel Ward, as I’m sure everyone is aware, picked up an injury last weekend,” Hodgson said during a pre-match press conference on Wednesday.
“He had a scan, so we’ll be without him for a while.” As a result, there is a new harm issue.”
David Ozoh shone off the bench and the 18-year-old could stay in the team, while Eze, who came on in the 89th minute against City after a three-week layoff, is pushing for a return to the starting lineup.
“The ones who have been injured are making good progress,” Hodgson said in a statement.
“Ebere Eze is coming along nicely. He’s truly on the verge, and we’ll have to make a decision in the next several 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.”
“When given the chance to get on the pitch, 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,” the former England manager added.
“But of course, the immediate future is most concerning and tomorrow night we want to get back to winning ways if we can.”
Palace manager Hodgson has confirmed that Eze is set to return to the starting side
Palace haven’t won a game since November 4, gaining only two points out of a possible 18.
But custodian Dean Henderson was pleased to have contributed to a point against Premier League champions Manchester City with many saves.
Now, the 26-year-old is excited to make his home debut at Selhurst Park.
“It’s been a long year for me, so I’m overjoyed to don the Palace colours.” “I’d like to thank everyone who has supported me,” Henderson said on the club’s website.
“There’s only one place to sharpen up, and that’s in the Etihad goalmouth!” It’s great to get a few saves in. We’ve arrived at our destination. We have to assault the game and go after them (Brighton).”
