Franca, Lerma, Holding: Crystal Palace injury news and return dates ahead of Wolves trip
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Crystal Palace have hit a fine run of form over the last month and will head into this weekend’s visit to Wolverhampton Wanderers looking to extend their unbeaten run to a sixth game.
After impressive wins over Liverpool, West Ham United, Newcastle United and Manchester United and a hard earned draw at Fulham, Oliver Glasner’s men may well remain in the bottom half of the Premier League table, but they are building some serious momentum as thoughts turn towards his first full season in charge at Selhurst Park.
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Hide AdThe run of form has been made even more impressive by the fact Glasner has been forced to go into battle without several key players - and the Eagles boss has received mixed news on when some could return to contention. With the final week of the season almost upon us, we look at the possible return dates of Palace’s injured players.
Sam Johnstone
The former Manchester United and West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper had aspirations of forcing his way into England’s Euro 2024 Finals squad - but they were brought to a swift end by elbow surgery that have left him focusing on a return to pre-season training. Predicted return date: July 2024.
Cheick Doucoure


The powerful midfielder has been out of action since November when a ruptured Achilles tendon brought an abrupt end to his run in the Eagles side. Sadly, it has also brought an end to Doucoure’s season - but he is likely to be ready to return to contention when Palace kick off their pre-season campaign in July. Predicted return date: July 2024.
Rob Holding
It seems remarkable to think the former Bolton Wanderers and Arsenal centre-back has made just one appearance since joining Palace last summer and that came in a Carabao Cup defeat against Manchester United in September. The defender was not in the Eagles squad for their last three games and he could now miss the final week of the season with a thigh injury. Predicted return date: June 2024.
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Hide AdMatheus Franca
The Brazilian star was showing some promising signs of settling into life at Selhurst Park when a groin injury threatened to bring a premature end to his season. It now looks increasingly likely that will come to pass after Oliver Glasner revealed he was unsure when the attacking midfielder would return from a groin injury. Predicted return date: June 2024.
Jefferson Lerma


There is some hope the former Bournemouth midfielder is rapidly closing in on a return to fitness. Lerma has missed Palace’s last four games and it is expected Saturday’s visit to Wolves will come too soon for a return to contention - but there is a belief the season-ending home clash with Aston Villa will be a more realistic target. Predicted return date: Sunday 19th May.
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