Wilfried Zaha plays at Norwich City despite Crystal Palace star not training since Southampton match

BY SAM SMITH

Wilfried Zaha declared himself fit to play against Norwich City despite not training since Crystal Palace’s visit to Southampton.

The winger took several kicks in the 1-1 draw against the Saints and boss Roy Hodgson was surprised the 27-year-old told him he would play at Carrow Road.

Zaha set up Connor Wickham’s late equaliser against the Canaries.

Hodgson said: “Wilf was one of those who we were unsure was going to play. He hasn’t trained since the last game.

“It was his heart and desire to play for this club that saw him declare himself fit. That was a surprise to me that he declared himself fit.”

The Eagles lost Mamadou Sakho midway through the 1-1 draw – in which Palace had been behind after four minutes thanks to Todd Cantwell’s goal. That takes Palace’s list of injured absentees to eight.

“There were very few players out there today who you can say: ‘They are 100 per cent fit and ready to go’. Sunday is going to be very hard because I will have people saying: ‘That one, that one and that one are not ready to go’.”