Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson's fresh update on Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze setback

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says the club need both Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze badly as they go deep into the season.

Michael Olise is still battling with an injury he picked up with the France under-21 team while Eberechi is now expected to be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring problem.

The duo add to Jefferson Lerma, Dean Henderson, Naouirou Ahamada, Joel Ward, Cheick Doucoure and Matheus Franca all battling to fit ahead of games against Newcastle, Tottenham and Burnley.

The Eagles are unbeaten in their last three league games despite all the challenges and manager Hodgson admits they would be better if they had the duo fit.

He is quoted by the South London press: “The two we want back more than any are the two creative players that we have and made such a difference in the 10 games I had with the team when I came back last year.

“Our 10-game successful period was very dependent on the form of Olise, who as of yet has not kicked a ball for us and we’re already going into mid-October.

“And now Eberechi Eze has picked up a serious injury. I will only really be looking at matters with the same optimism as I can when those two get back fit again, but it will take some while.”

Roy Hodgson has turned things around after taking over from Patrick Vieira with just 10 games to end the season with the Eegales looking like they would be for relegation.