Cheick Doucoure Set to Return for Crystal Palace After 20 Months of Injuries
After nearly 20 months sidelined by serious injuries, Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure is finally set to return to competitive action. The Mali international will feature in the upcoming Carabao Cup clash against Middlesbrough, marking an end to a long and difficult recovery.
The Long Journey Back
Doucoure's absence has been a huge setback for the Eagles. The 26-year-old was named the club's Player of the Year during his debut season in 2022-23, but his progress was halted after suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon in November 2023 during a match against Luton Town. He managed to come back for 13 appearances before being struck by a torn meniscus in January 2024.
After proving his fitness with the Under-21 team and completing a full pre-season without injury, Doucoure is now ready to rejoin the first team. His return comes after he was targeted by Liverpool in the summer of 2023 prior to his injury struggles.
Manager Pierre Sage’s Reaction
Pierre Sage, Palace's manager, shared how thrilled he was to have Doucoure back. Describing the midfielder's reaction when told about his inclusion, Sage said, "His smile was incredible, like I gave him $1 million. That kind of reaction shows how much he loves the game and just wants to be back with the team." Sage confirmed Doucoure will play in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Middlesbrough, which will be his first senior appearance since Palace’s 2-0 win over Leicester City in January 2025.
Careful Team Rotation
Sage also mentioned that while he’s eager to include returning players like Doucoure, he prefers not to disrupt the team's flow with too many changes. He stated, "I'm not fond of big rotations because it often affects player coordination. At this stage, we want to respect all players' efforts and give them a chance to prove themselves." The manager emphasized that Palace take the Carabao Cup seriously and aim to go far in the competition.
Palace’s Recent Form and Upcoming Fixtures
Crystal Palace currently sit 13th in the Premier League after one win and two defeats. They hope to regain the momentum that helped them win several trophies recently, including the FA Cup in 2024-25, the FA Community Shield in 2025, and the UEFA Conference League last season.
After their cup game against Middlesbrough, Palace will face Ipswich Town in the Premier League, aiming for consecutive league wins following a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Fulham.
- Competition: Carabao Cup
- Match: Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough
- Date & Time: 8 September 2026, 20:45
