Cheick Doucoure set for long-awaited Crystal Palace return after 20-month injury hell

Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure is poised to make his first senior appearance in nearly 20 months, marking the end of a long period of rehabilitation. The 26-year-old, who was named the club's Player of the Year in the 2022-23 season, has faced a difficult road back after suffering consecutive long-term fitness setbacks.

Doucoure was sidelined by a ruptured Achilles in November 2023, and after a brief return, he suffered a torn meniscus in January of last year. Having completed a full pre-season and gained match fitness with the Under-21 side, he is now ready to rejoin the first-team setup.

When I told him he would be with us today, his smile was incredible. I think his reaction was as if I gave him $1million. Pierre Sage

Manager Pierre Sage confirmed that Doucoure will feature in Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Middlesbrough. Sage highlighted the midfielder's infectious enthusiasm upon receiving the news, noting that his return is a significant morale boost for the squad as they look to build momentum.

While Sage remains cautious about disrupting his team's rhythm with excessive rotation, he is keen to reintegrate his returning stars. The manager emphasized that the club views the competition with ambition, aiming for a deep run while balancing the need to give minutes to players who have been working hard to return to contention.