Christian Benteke has spoken of his delight at making his first Crystal Palace start since September after injury.
The Belgian was named in the Eagles’ starting lineup for the Premier League clash with Fulham, helping them to a 2-0 win at Selhurst Park and hitting the crossbar with an acrobatic effort.
Benteke has constantly suffered from injuries since trading Liverpool for Palace in 2016 and his latest return came after five months on the sidelines.
The 28-year-old told Palace TV it was a great feeling to be back in the team, following such frustrating fitness issues:
I am so happy to be back. I worked so hard to be back here at Selhurst [Park] and I am really pleased with the three points.
I feel good. I felt good during the game, sharp and strong.
I was just anxious about my body, because I didn’t play for a long time, so I just wanted to stay fit, and that’s what I have done so I am really pleased.
The arrival of Michy Batshuayi on loan from Chelsea has provided new competition for Benteke in attack.
He will no doubt be thriving off that, however, with a fight for playing time far better than being out injured.
Benteke will hope to start in Palace’s next game at home to West Ham on Saturday afternoon.
