Exclusive: Crystal Palace midfielder still in cast ahead of Manchester United clash

Cheick Doucouré is a major doubt for Crystal Palace’s game against Manchester United this weekend, as he was still wearing a cast on his foot while the team trained on Wednesday, sources have exclusively told LondonWorld.

The Malian midfielder made a big impact when he came on against Chelsea, helping the Eagles secure a 1-1 draw before the international break. However, he wasn’t as fortunate when he started against Leicester, being forced off with what later turned out to be a foot injury.

Doucouré missed the game against QPR and also did not train on Wednesday, with the Eagles given Thursday off. Manager Oliver Glasner has instructed everyone to get as much rest as possible as he works around the clock to devise a system that will get them back to their best form before last season ended.

There are several issues for the Eagles boss to address, including how to get the most out of summer signing Eddie Nketiah and the in-form Jean-Philippe Mateta. Both are talented players but are also natural number nines, creating a selection challenge.

The midfield has also been a disappointment, with Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma struggling to replicate the form that saw them dominate Liverpool at Anfield last season.

There are growing concerns that Adam Wharton hasn’t been the same player he was last season. Additionally, the club is feeling the absence of Joachim Andersen, whose wide passing range was a significant asset last season. His move to Fulham has left a void, and Marc Guehi has yet to find his best form this season.

Guehi’s performances may have been impacted by transfer speculation linking him to Newcastle United. Though he remains a standout for the South London club, he was outpaced by Jamie Vardy for Leicester’s first goal, which would have raised alarm.