Crystal Palace given Michael Olise, Matheus Franca fitness boost?

By Andrew Delaney, Reporter | 16 October 2023

Crystal Palace given Olise, Franca fitness boost?

Matheus Franca is reportedly set for his Crystal Palace debut this weekend, while Michael Olise is also closing in on a return from injury.

Crystal Palace have reportedly been given a fitness boost regarding both Michael Olise and Matheus Franca.

The duo are still yet to feature at all this season after sustaining injuries during the summer.

Olise picked up a thigh injury while on duty with the French Under-21 side at the European Championships in June, and has not played a minute since.

Franca, meanwhile, is still awaiting his debut in Palace colours after joining from Flamengo during the summer window.

The Brazilian did not feature in any of the final five matches before making the move to Palace, and he has suffered setbacks since arriving at Selhurst Park.

Flamengo winger Matheus Franca in action in October 2022. © Reuters

However, journalist Alan Nixon claims that Franca is now set for his Eagles debut when Palace travel to Newcastle United on Saturday.

Nixon also revealed that Olise is making good progress in his recovery after four months out and he could well be in the squad that faces Tottenham Hotspur a week later.

Manager Roy Hodgson being able to call upon two additional attacking options will be most welcome, considering Palace's woes at times in front of goal.

Joachim Andersen's strike at Old Trafford at the end of September is the only goal that Palace have managed in their last four outings.

That run was continued thanks to a 0-0 draw at home with Nottingham Forest before the international break, where the visitors had double the number of attempts of Palace.

Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson pictured on October 7, 2023 © Reuters

Despite some profligacy in front of goal though, Hodgson has still led Palace to ninth currently, with four clean sheets from their opening eight games largely to thank.

However, welcoming back Olise could bring plenty of creativity back into the Palace side, considering that the Frenchman registered 11 Premier League assists last season.

With Eberechi Eze set for some time on the sidelines, Olise's return will be perfectly timed, given Palace's lengthening injury list.

While more of an unknown quantity, the Palace faithful will hope that Franca can chip in with some goals too.

The 19-year-old scored seven league goals with Flamengo, as well as a further two on the continent in the Copa Libertadores.