Crystal Palace’s Nigerian-born duo of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze will both miss this weekend’s English Premier League opener against London rivals, Chelsea on account of fitness issues.
Megasportsarena.com gathered that, while Eze has been left out of the hosts’ squad on account of his delayed recovery from a knock copped in training, Olise has been ruled out for at least another two weeks.
These developments were disclosed by Palace’s coach, Patrick Vieira, who gave scary updates about both players ahead of The Eagles’ season opener away to The Blues at Stamford Bridge.
Vieira admitted it is disappointing not to be with one of his new signings, even as Palace have been busy in the summer transfer window, with the arrivals of Marc Guehi, Joachim Andersen, Remi Matthews, Jacob Montes, Conor Gallagher and Olise to bolster the squad.
The Arsenal legend, however, confirmed that Olise is not in contention to make his EPL debut this weekend and is likely to miss the next two matches versus Brentford and West Ham United because the former Reading of England attacking midfielder is struggling with a back injury.
Also sidelined along with Olise is Eze, who is also not available for selection to face The Blues in a potentially explosive London derby, as the former Queens Park Rangers dazzler is still recovering from a long-term injury sustained towards the end of last season.
Vieira told Palace’s official website : “We all know about the long-term injuries. So far everybody is feeling good and is ready to start the season. Michael Olise is feeling better and in the next two weeks will be starting work on the field.”
