Pierre Sage says Cheick Doucoure set for Crystal Palace cup return | OneFootball

Cheick Doucoure is in line for his first senior outing in almost two years when Crystal Palace host Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday. According to The Standard, head coach Pierre Sage expects the midfielder to be involved at Selhurst Park.

The midfielder has endured brutal luck with injuries. He ruptured an Achilles in late 2023, returned after months out, then tore a meniscus in January 2025. Having played regularly in pre-season, he is now ready for competitive action.

Sage said Doucoure’s smile was immense when told he would rejoin the group on Saturday, likening the reaction to being handed a million dollars. He called it the first step and stated the midfielder will get a brief run-out.

His return comes as Palace manage absences for Chadi Riad and Jean-Philippe Mateta, with Ismaila Sarr also unavailable. Sage said he would select a strong side and avoid wholesale changes.

Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil were omitted from the matchday squad for last weekend’s win over Fulham, a decision Sage hopes will prompt a response. He explained they were left out after underwhelming cameos against Manchester City, adding it was his call, sometimes players need a jolt to regain their level, and that it was only one game.

Source: The Standard

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