Franca, Doucoure, Chalobah: Crystal Palace injury news and return dates ahead of Everton clash

It has been a challenging start to the season for Crystal Palace and they will head into Saturday’s visit with Everton looking for their first win of the Premier League season.

After the unquestionable positivity that brought a positive end to last season, there were high hopes for Oliver Glasner’s first full year in charge of the Eagles. However, as it stands, Palace have collected just three points from their first five games of the season and sit just two points and two places above the relegation zone ahead of their Goodison Park visit.

There were some positive signs in last weekend’s goalless draw at Manchester United and Glasner will hope to build on that encouraging display against fellow strugglers Everton this weekend. There could well be some positive news for the Eagles boss as a number of injured players rapidly approach a return to contention - but who could be in line for a recall against the Toffees and who is facing a way before returning to the squad? We take a look at the latest injury updates and possible return dates of a number of the Palace squad.

Matheus Franca

The Brazilian forward has not featured since a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham Hotspur in March but is rapidly closing in on a return to full fitness after recovering from a rib injury. Speaking last week, Glasner said of the former Flamengo man: “Franca is also not available. He's coming closer to the training pitch. We mentioned he ruptured his rib, and it's just painful, but he's already starting training individually on the pitch.” There is an expectation the Brazil Under-20 international could return to contention this weekend’s visit to Goodison Park Possible return date: Late September - Everton (a)

Trevoh Chalobah

The summer signing is yet to feature for the Eagles after making the switch across London from Chelsea. An abdominal injury sustained in his first training session with Palace but he is close to a return to contention and could even be available this weekend. Speaking last week, Glasner said: “He's progressing, but he's not available tomorrow. We expect him back with the team next week.” Possible return date: Late September - Everton (a)

Chadi Riad

Another summer signing that has found his involvement hampered by an injury, Riad made a Premier League debut in 2-0 defeat at West Ham United and a Carabao Cup win against Championship club Norwich City before suffering a serious knee injury. Glasner delivered a mixed response when he was questioned over the prognosis, saying: “The doctors told us it will take eight to 12 weeks, so yes, a little bit of time. At the beginning we all thought maybe it's worse, but the ACL is not ruptured, so that's important - but it will take several weeks.' Possible return date: December 2024.

Cheick Doucoure

Doucoure was substituted at half-time during the 2-2 draw against Leicester City earlier this month and is not expected to return to action until after the next international break in October. Speaking after the game, Glasner said of Doucoure’s injury: “He has some to do with the tendon on the toe. We will miss him for several weeks. The tendon has to heal, so it's a little bit of a bad situation, but he will be back in a few weeks. We are pleased that it's not so serious because it was so painful that there was a worry. He's already working for his comeback.” Possible return date: Late October 2024.

Rob Holding

There is some uncertainty about Holding’s situation at Selhurst Park after Glasner confirmed the former Arsenal defender was training alone earlier this month and that the reason for his decision would be kept between the Eagles boss and Holding himself Possible return date: Unknown.