Crystal Palace winger Wilfried Zaha is set to return to the club earlier than planned after his national side, Ivory Coast, were knocked out in the group stages of the African Cup of Nations on Tuesday night.
After switching allegiance from the England national set-up to Ivory Coast at the end of last year, this was the 24-year-old’s first competitive tournament with the African side, having only featured in two friendlies before the tournament.
Zaha featured in all three group games, with his only full 90 minutes coming against DR Congo, with an additional 145 minutes over the space of the other two games for Ivory Coast.
It is likely that Zaha’s first game back from the tournament will be against AFC Bournemouth next Tuesday, with Sam Allarydce and fans alike, looking forward to his return with Crystal Palace now in the relegation zone following last week’s defeat Everton.
The Eagles are hoping to make a couple of additions to the squad before the transfer window closes with Christopher Samba currently on trial at the club and Patrick Van Aanholt being linked with a move to the club.
