April 1, 2023, London, London, England: 1st April 2023; Selhurst Park, Selhurst, London, England; Premier League Football, Crystal Palace versus Leicester City; Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson appearing at the start of the match. (Credit Image: © Katie Chan/Action Plus Sports via ZUMA Wire)
Michael Olise ‘suffers fresh setback in recovery from injury’
Michael Olise is said to have reaggravated the hamstring ailment that has kept him out this season.
The talented French wideman tore his hamstring during the summer’s Euro Under-21s and has been out since.
After missing Crystal Palace’s first five games, it was thought that he was on his way back to the Eagles.
However, according to the Evening Standard, Olise has suffered a serious setback and will now be gone for an extended period of time.
According to the report, Roy Hodgson will be without the 21-year-old until at least the October international break.
In his absence, Palace have made a respectable start, picking up seven points from their first five games, including victories over Sheffield United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, losing last season’s Player of the Year is a major setback, especially considering Olise had 11 assists in the Premier League last season.
Those figures drew the attention of England’s elite, and even Hodgson confessed during the summer that keeping the player would be difficult.
When Chelsea activated Olise’s £35 million release clause, it appeared like he would be on his way, but Palace managed to bind him down to a new contract instead.
With the release clause lifted, Olise might command a higher transfer fee next summer if he can regain his fitness and performance on the field.
For the time being, the winger is expected to miss Palace’s forthcoming games against Fulham, Manchester United, and Nottingham Forest.
One bright spot for Palace fans is that manager Roy Hodgson will return to the sidelines for the weekend trip to Craven Cottage.
The 76-year-old fell ill on the morning of their weekend 3-1 defeat at Aston Villa, but he has since returned to training and will be in the dugout on Saturday.
Paddy McCarthy was appointed as Palace’s interim manager for their trip to Villa Park, where they conceded three goals in the final minutes to blow a lead given to them by Odsonne Edouard’s early second-half strike.
