Crystal Palace have received a boost ahead of their Premier League clash with Newcastle on Saturday, as both Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah are set to return to the matchday squad. Eze has been absent for the past three games, while Nketiah has missed the last two due to hamstring injuries.
Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed at his pre-match press conference that both players are fit and ready to feature, saying: “Ebere will be in the squad tomorrow, and so will Eddie Nketiah. They’ve both worked hard in their rehab, and thanks to the excellent work of the medical team, they’re available earlier than we expected.”
The return of Eze and Nketiah comes as Palace prepare for a demanding schedule, with games against Ipswich away and Manchester City at home following the Newcastle fixture. Glasner acknowledged that while the pair may not be able to play full 90 minutes in all three matches, their presence provides valuable options for squad rotation and tactical flexibility.
Palace are currently second-bottom in the Premier League, with just eight points from 12 matches. They’ve managed only one win this season, but there have been signs of improvement in recent weeks, with two draws and a loss in their last three outings. Glasner pointed out that while the team’s performances are better, the results still fall short, highlighting missed chances in matches where Palace scored twice but were unable to secure victories due to defensive mistakes.
Looking ahead, Glasner remains cautiously optimistic. He noted that several players are in better physical condition than at the start of the season, which gives him confidence. However, he acknowledged the team’s poor league position and the need for further progress.
Palace will face a tough challenge against Newcastle, who are in 10th place with 18 points from 12 games.
