Eberechi Eze thanks Crystal Palace physio for help as he ends five-month spell on the sidelines

Eberechi Eze has expressed his delight at being back in first-team action for Crystal Palace.

The playmaker had been out since May after suffering a serious Achilles injury.

But Eze made his return for the club’s U23s today and played 62 minutes against Blackburn at Palace’s new academy complex – watched by manager Patrick Vieira.

“That felt good,” Eze told the club’s official website. “Just to be out there running and passing the ball. I can’t explain that, it’s been a long time, five months, but we’ve worked hard and we’re grateful to be here – thank God.

“I’m thankful to the physios here, especially Ollie [Waite]. I’ve worked with him closely over this period – just relentlessly focused on it and saying we’re going to get back as quick as we can, not rushing but applying ourselves properly and doing everything in our powers.”

Eze has formed a strong bond with defender Nathan Ferguson, who is yet to make a senior appearance for the Eagles due to injury setbacks.

“Without him I don’t know what this [rehab] would’ve been like,” said Eze. “Because we’ve helped each other. I’d like to think we’re through it and we’ve grown closer together during this period. He’s been with me and I’ve been with him. It’s been a good partnership, for sure.”

Eze had a chance to mark his return with a goal.

“I probably should’ve scored that but it’s my first game back and I’m just trying to find my feet and touching a ball in a match. Regardless of what happened today I’m just happy to be back.

“Before I come back to the Premier League I need to take these opportunities of playing again with team-mates and against opposition who want to win. You can’t replicate a match [in training].