Oliver Glasner: "Cheick Doucoure could have to play three games in six days"
Oliver Glasner could be forced to start Cheick Doucoure for the next four games after Will Hughes picked up a foot injury against Southampton.
Doucoure ruptured his Achilles against Luton Town in November 2023 and was sidelined until the start of this season.
The 24-year-old featured in three of Crystal Palace's four opening matches this term but picked up a toe injury in mid-September, which ruled him out for another five games.
Since his last setback, the Malian has featured intermittently for the Eagles, struggling with match sharpness.
However, with Hughes unavailable and Adam Wharton's long-term absenteeism, Oliver Glasner has limited options in the middle of the park. The Palace boss openly disclosed that Doucoure will partner Jefferson Lerma in midfield against Chelsea.
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Having picked his midfield for Saturday's London derby at Selhurst Park, Glasner conceded that Doucoure might be required to start four consecutive games for the first time since September 2023, regardless of fitness concerns.
"Maybe he has to [start four in a row]. I don’t know. Wharton will not be available for the next three-game week (Stockport, Leicester and West Ham). I don’t know if Will Hughes will be available. It could be that Doucoure will have to play three games in six days – we will support him."
