‘We have to manage Michael’ – Crystal Palace boss on Olise’s return to action against Chelsea

BY ANDREW MCSTEEN

Despite the disappointment of an FA Cup semi-final loss against Chelsea on Sunday, Crystal Palace fans had something to celebrate – the return of Michael Olise.

The attacking midfielder returned to action at Wembley, playing the last 18 minutes after missing nearly a month due to injury picked up on international duty with the French U21 side.

And the news has been welcomed by Eagles boss Patrick Vieira.

“When he came on he did really well,” said Vieira to the South London Press. “Those players who we have to manage, we don’t want them to take a step back. It’s something that happened with Nathan [Ferguson] and that can get a bit more frustrating for the players.

“Sometimes, as difficult as it can be, we have to make a decision for them.”

With seven games to go of the season, Vieira revealed Olise is very much part of his plans, starting with the trip to the North-East to play Newcastle tomorrow, but that he will take it game by game.

“We have to manage Michael,” said Vieira. “Michael didn’t train a lot in the [last] couple of weeks but he will be part of the group tomorrow and he’s feeling much, much better.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD