An altogether concerning development on the personnel front has been unveiled at Crystal Palace on Sunday evening.
The player to have sparked worry on the part of the Eagles? Michael Olise.
Youngster Olise, amid a fine spell of recent form in south London, was afforded his maiden call-up to France’s U21 squad earlier this week, ahead of meetings with the Faroe Islands and Northern Ireland.
As confirmed in an official statement this afternoon, however, the gifted attacker was today forced to depart Les Bleus’ camp prematurely.
This comes with Olise suffering with ‘inflammation’ in his left foot, preventing him from training as normal.
Michael Olise returning to #CPFC for treatment after suffering discomfort in his left foot. He made his debut for France U21s last week and misses tomorrow’s friendly with Northern Ireland.
Story from @bosherL? https://t.co/3hWYasTdLb
— Dominic Fifield (@domfifield) March 27, 2022
Arsenal next up
It of course now remains to be seen whether Olise is in line for any sort of considerable spell on the sidelines over the weeks ahead.
After returning to full fitness on the back of a back issue late last year, the 20-year-old has since taken his game to another level in 2022, racking up three goals and six assists en route to establishing himself as a key member of Patrick Vieira’s frontline.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 08: Michael Olise reacts after being hit by a plastic bottle during the Emirates FA Cup Third Round match between Millwall and Crystal Palace at The Den on January 08, 2022 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Next on the agenda for the capital outfit, meanwhile, comes a highly-anticipated Premier League showdown with London rivals Arsenal on Monday, April 4th.
Derby stakes aside, the clash will see Palace boss Patrick Vieira play host to his beloved Gunners for the very first time as a manager, adding further spice to an already vital fixture amid Arsenal’s hunt for a top-4 berth.
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