Match fitness mission: Super Eagles midfielder Uche plays 45 minutes for Crystal Palace U21s

Super Eagles midfielder Christantus Uche featured for Crystal Palace U21 side in their 5-2 loss to Stevenage in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.

Uche, who was left out of the senior squad in Palace's thrilling 3-3 Premier League draw with Bournemouth over the weekend, played the entirety of the first half as the young Eagles exited the competition.

Stevenage cruised to victory courtesy of a Harry Lee own goal, Phoenix Patterson's double and further strikes from Jovan Malcolm and Lewis Orford, while George King and Kaden Rodney were on target for Palace.

Uche came close to scoring in the first half, but a last-ditch tackle denied him a clear one-on-one chance with the goalkeeper.

The 22-year-old, who enjoyed a breakout campaign with Getafe in the 2024/2025 season, has found it difficult to replicate that form since moving to Selhurst Park in the summer.

So far, he has made just three senior appearances across all competitions without a goal or assist.

His recent dip in form prompted the club to include him in the U21 squad to help him regain match sharpness and adapt to the physical demands of English football.

Uche will be hoping to rediscover his rhythm and prove his quality in order to earn a recall to the first team and justify Crystal Palace’s investment in him.

Adeyemi Adewale

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