Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi has hinted at a potential return date from injury, after spending over two months away from action.
It’s been a difficult time for Crystal Palace without the help of their famed centre-back Marc Guehi, who is yet to play under Oliver Glasner.
The Eagles’ injury concerns took a turn for the worst back in February, as Guehi underwent surgery to solve a knee issue that he suffered at the start of that month against Brighton.
Weeks after being ruled out, the England international suffered a setback however, the defender has now hinted at when his potential return could come.
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Marc Guehi offers a hint at potential Crystal Palace return date
Speaking to TNT Sports yesterday, the 23-year-old offered an insight as to whether he expects to play again before the end of the 2023/24 campaign.
“That’s the plan.”
“Hopefully I can come back and help the lads in the last few games. I’m just waiting to get back in and play.”
So far, the centre-back has missed nine of Palace’s games through the knee injury he continues to recover from, leaving his side without his expertise after relying on him so heavily in the earlier stages of the season.
Marc Guehi return will be crucial for Crystal Palace
Signed from Chelsea back in 2021 for a fee of £18m, Guehi has become an integral part of Palace’s squad.
The Englishman’s absence has tested the squad’s depth, seeing Glasner using his defensive midfield assets to build a makeshift back three, with the likes of Jefferson Lerma and Chris Richards stepping back.
Since taking charge, Glasner is yet to have Guehi at his disposal, a player who would fit seamlessly into his system due to his commanding presence and ability to carry the ball forward.
Given the Eagles’ inability to hold leads this season, it will be hoped that the 23-year-old can return before the end of the campaign to bolster his side at the back.
Not only will the centre-back hope to return before the end of term for Palace’s sake, but for the sake of his chances ahead of this summer’s European Championships, where the former Chelsea starlet will hope to be a part of Gareth Southgate’s squad.
The primary concern is that Guehi doesn’t rush back too soon after spending such a long time out of action, with Palace already aware of the repercussions of bringing a player back into the squad too early, having only just welcomed back Michael Olise.
Still, the signs are encouraging given the defender’s words ahead of Palace’s 4-2 defeat to Manchester City, with seven games remaining for the Englishman to re-enter the fold.
