Crystal Palace's youngest PL debutant Ozoh faces spell on sidelines with hip injury

Allnigeriasoccer.com understands that Nigerian midfielder David Ozoh will not make his season debut for Crystal Palace's first team when they take on Arsenal on game week two in the Premier League on Monday, August 21 at Selhurst Park.

Ozoh was not called up for Palace's opening day win against Sheffield United, and was also left out of the matchday squad against Manchester United U21s in the Premier League 2.

When the Valencia-born youngster made his Premier League debut against Newcastle United in January 2023, he became Crystal Palace's youngest-ever player to feature in the Premier League at the age of 17 years and 260 days, breaking the record previously held by another player of Nigerian descent, George Ndah. 

Ozoh was not available for selection in the Premier League and PL2 openers because he is recovering from a hip injury. 

The 18-year-old faces two to three weeks on the sidelines due to the ailment, meaning he will also miss games with Brentford and Plymouth Argyle, plus PL 2 fixtures against Reading and Fulham.

Last season, Ozoh was named in five matchday squads for first team games and registered 38 appearances in all competitions for the U18s and U21s with two goals to his name. 

Another Nigeria-eligible player in Michael Olise missed the whole of Crystal Palace's pre-season preparations and their trip to Sheffield United as he is recovering from a hamstring injury he suffered while on international duty with France at the U21 Euro.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 

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