Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure is set to make his long-awaited return to senior football this week. Manager Pierre Sage confirmed the 26-year-old will play in Tuesday's Carabao Cup tie against Middlesbrough, ending an absence of almost 20 months.
Doucoure's last first-team appearance came in a 2-0 win over Leicester City on January 15, 2025. His journey back has been arduous, marked by two major setbacks. He first ruptured his Achilles tendon during a Premier League defeat to Luton Town in November 2023. After battling back to play 13 games, he then suffered a torn meniscus in January 2024.
What has Doucoure's recovery path been?
The Mali international has taken a cautious route back to full fitness. He featured for Palace's Under-21 side towards the end of last season before completing a full pre-season schedule without issue. His successful return to training has been a significant boost for a squad currently sitting 13th in the Premier League with three points from three games. The team's form reads WLL, having scored four goals but conceded eight for a negative goal difference.
Sage's delight at Doucoure's progress was evident. "When I told him he would be with us today (Saturday), his smile was incredible," the manager told The Athletic. He added, "I think (his reaction was as if) I gave him $1million."
How will Doucoure fit into the full squad?
Doucoure's return is timely for a midfield that could use his dynamism. Before his injuries, he was a standout performer, winning the club's Player of the Year award for the 2022-23 season. His form even attracted serious interest from Liverpool in the summer prior to his first major injury. His comeback adds a proven option as Palace look to climb from their mid-table position, currently six points behind early leaders Manchester City.
Sage plans to integrate him carefully, stating he will "tweak his side without making wholesale changes" for the cup match. He is not a fan of large rotations, believing they disrupt coordination and affect results. The manager emphasized respecting player commitments in training and using such games as an opportunity for individuals to show improvement. "We have to win the game because we are ambitious in the Carabao Cup," Sage stated.
Who else is in contention for the cup game?
The cup fixture also provides a chance for other players to stake a claim. Two summer signings, Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil, were notable omissions from the matchday squad for Saturday's 3-2 league win over Fulham. Guessand was also left out of Palace's Europa League squad. Sage described dropping them as a 'sports decision', revealing he was not satisfied with their performances in the previous match against Manchester City.
"Players need to be shaken to regain their level and have the opportunity to show themselves weekly," the manager explained. This competition for places comes as Palace manage several absences. The current injuries list includes Chadi Riad, Ismaïla Sarr, Jean-Philippe Mateta, and Honest Ahanor.
Doucoure's return is a positive step as the team prepares for its next Premier League challenge. Crystal Palace host Ipswich Town at Selhurst Park on September 12th, a match you can find on the club's fixtures schedule. Ipswich currently sit 14th in the table, one place below Palace.
