Crystal Palace manager keeping his fingers crossed on availability of Olise against Arsenal

Published: March 31, 2022

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is keeping his fingers crossed on the availability of Michael Olise for their first game after the international break against Arsenal.

The Eagles are sweating over the fitness of the newly-capped France U21 international of Nigerian descent after he suffered a foot injury while on international duty.

Olise made his competitive debut for France youth teams against Faroe Islands U21s on March 24 but took no part in the 5-0 rout of Northern Ireland in a friendly four days later due to the ailment

The 20-year-old's injury could be a big blow for Vieira given that he has been one of the key players for the Eagles in the second half of the season but the French football tactician is hoping to have the winger available for selection by the time they face Arsenal on Monday, April 4.

Vieira refused to rule out Olise for the visit of the Gunners, telling reporters at his pre-match briefing : "He just had an issue with his foot.

"Until he gets back from the French Under-21s, he is still in the treatment room as well. He is not ready to do some work outside.

"We have to wait day after day and see how he is feeling, and then we will see.

"Both of them (Zaha and Olise) still have a chance (of playing against Arsenal)".

Olise missed the first one month of the season as he was recovering from injury and didn't make his full Premier League debut until the visit of Newcastle on October 23.

He bagged his first assist in the top-flight as Palace were forced to a 2-2 draw by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on October 18.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : cpfc.co.uk

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