Crystal Palace boss answers whether Cheick Doucoure is ready for Premier League start after injury layoff

Oliver Glasner admitted only players at the top of their fitness level will start for Crystal Palace in their Premier League clash against Fulham on Saturday – with Cheick Doucoure only returning to match action last weekend in the draw at Wolves.

The Mali international has only recently returned from a toe injury and has made just one Premier League start under Glasner due to missing the majority of last season with an Achilles injury he picked up in the 2-1 defeat at Luton in November.

Palace are without Will Hughes [suspension], Jefferson Lerma [Hamstring] and Adam Wharton [hernia] for tomorrow’s game.

“We will see,” said Glasner when asked if Doucoure was ready to start.

“It’s important now to start with players at their top fitness level.

“We can’t risk an injury with the responsibility we have to take because of the very tight schedule after the international break.

“It’s a discussion we’re having throughout the week.

“Let’s see what I will decide.”

Academy midfielder Justin Devenny has been training with Glasner’s first team and has impressed in the first-team environment.

The 21-year-old joined from Airdrieonians in August 2023 and made 54 senior appearances before leaving for South London.

Devenny has yet to make an appearance under the Austrain boss.

“He was with us in the USA [pre-season tour] and he was excellent against Wolves,”

“He does well with our U21s and he’s now training with us.

“We were looking for a midfielder because we have several players missing there.

“He’s a very good player. Technically, he can solve situations with one or two touches. 

“He’s physically in a very good shape. 

“Let’s see.”