Will 28-day break from Premier League action help or hinder Crystal Palace? They resume against Graham Potter’s Chelsea
Crystal Palace end a 28-day break from Premier League action tomorrow against Graham Potter’s Chelsea.
The Eagles had an extended period of time off before the international break after their game at home to Manchester United was postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, and their following match away to Brighton was called off due to a planned rail strike.
Palace had six first-team players away on international duty – Joachim Andersen [Denmark], Wilfried Zaha [Ivory Coast], Jordan Ayew [Ghana], Cheick Doucoure [Mali] and Malcolm Ebiowei [England U20].
Marc Guehi, who was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad for their final warm-up matches ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup, was an unused substitute for the 3-3 Nations League draw with Germany.
Chris Richards, a summer signing from Bayern Munich , was selected for the USA squad for their friendlies with Japan and Saudi Arabia, but the 22-year-old withdrew from Gregg Berhalter’s side after picking up an injury.
James McArthur [groin], James Tomkins [calf] and Nathan Ferguson [ankle] have all been missing for the start of the season and still look set to be unavailable.
Jack Butland’s broken hand has mended. But the goalkeeper will have to dislodge Vicente Guaita and Sam Johnstone from the first-team squad.
Former Brighton head coach Potter will take charge of his first Premier League game for the Blues this weekend. He failed to pick up a victory – four draws and three defeats – against Palace while he was Brighton boss.
The 47-year-old will welcome French midfielder N’Golo Kante to his side, who returned to training this week after suffering a hamstring injury.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy could also be in line to return to the starting 11 and make his 100th appearance for the club after being dropped for Spanish shotstopper Kepa due to a knee injury.
The Blues drew 1-1 with RB Salzburg in the Champions League before the international break.
Conor Gallagher is in line for his first Selhurst Park return since spending last season on loan. He won the club’s Player of the Year award.
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