Crystal Palace have been dealt a five-front boost to their squad options ahead of Friday’s Wolves clash with a quintuplet of players returning to fitness – though one rising star is a serious doubt.
After picking up an injury on international duty for Ireland, midfielder James McCarthy has returned to training this week, plus Gary Cahill and James Tomkins are fully fit for tomorrow night’s game.
Furthermore, following positive tests, Jordan Ayew and summer signing Jack Butland are both available and amongst the squad following periods of self-isolation.
However, one piece of bad news is that Tyrick Mitchell suffered a knock in training on Wednesday and is a serious doubt for the trip to Molineux. The Eagles do have left-back Patrick van Aanholt fit and ready, with the Dutch international likely to fill in for Mitchell.
Mitchell will be subject to a late fitness test and will be assessed tomorrow morning before the squad travels to Wolverhampton to face Nuno Espirito Santo’s side.
In other news, The Eagles will be without the long-term injured players in Wayne Hennessey and striker Connor Wickham, and Hodgson also referenced the fact that Joel Ward is not likely to be fit in time to make the trip to Wolves – meaning summer signing Nathaniel Clyne will likely feature in his stead.
Read Crystal Palace Verdict
Whilst the return of a number of key players is undoubtedly a huge boost for Hodgson’s selection options, losing Tyrick Mitchell is a real shame, given his impressive run since filling in for van Aanholt – coincidentally his first start came away at the Molineux at the end of the 2019/20 season.
Nonetheless, Hodgson will feel happy with the wide range of options and the strong depth available to him as his side look to continue their unbeaten run against Wolves.
