Wilfried Zaha recovery impresses Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson
Thursday 8 March 2018 15:04, UK
Wilfried Zaha is back training with Crystal Palace team-mates after a "remarkable" recovery from a knee injury, confirmed boss Roy Hodgson.
The Ivory Coast international had previously been working on his rehabilitation away from the squad after sustaining the knock during Palace's 1-1 draw with Newcastle at Selhurst Park on February 8.
Hodgson, who primarily said the 25-year-old would be out for about a month, revealed the injury was worse than first expected but that Zaha is making excellent progress in his recovery.
"Wilf's had a ball at his feet for a while, training solo with the rehab people and the physios," said Hodgson, ahead of Saturday's fixture against Chelsea.
"He joined in with the team today in an albeit modified session. He's well ahead of schedule, but it was a serious injury. It's a remarkable recovery. It will be a case of discussing with him, the doctor and the physios regarding when he's ready to come back. It's a major positive."
Hodgson admits it will be tricky making a call over when to bring Zaha back into the fold with his side one point adrift of safety as the battle for Premier League survival intensifies.
"All teams rely upon their decisive players, their most valuable players," Hodgson said.
"So when you have a player out for anything length of time there's always a risk you'll push for him to come back earlier than he should. That's the balance I've got to get right."
