Crystal Palace have been handed a major boost with Michael Olise likely to return to their squad to face Manchester City on Saturday.
Olise hasn’t made an appearance for the Eagles since early February, when he limped off with a hamstring injury after just 11 minutes in Palace’s 4-1 defeat at Brighton.
Palace host third-place Manchester City in Saturday’s early kick-off - a fixture which could have huge ramifications for the title race.
After Tuesday’s defeat at Bournemouth, Glasner revealed to BBC Radio 5 Live that Olise is desperate to return to action and should be fit enough to play against City, even if just off the bench.
The 22-year-old, who has represented France at Under-21 level, has struggled with injuries this season.
Olise’s hamstring has been a recurring issue since damaging it at the U21 Euros last summer. He was forced off during Palace’s 3-1 win over Brentford in December and against Sheffield United before his recent two-month absence.
The London-born talent is a key attacking asset for Palace. He has scored six times and provided three assists in just 11 Premier League appearances this season, including a 95th-minute leveller in a 2-2 draw at the Etihad earlier this season.
Olise thrived under Roy Hodgson after signing on a five-year deal from Reading in 2021, and he looks set to make his first appearance under his new boss this weekend.
The midfielder has a release clause due to become active in the summer, reportedly worth £60million, with the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea said to be vying to secure his signature.
His return comes as a relief for Glasner. Only Everton, Sheffield United, and Burnley have scored fewer goals than Palace this season, and Tuesday’s defeat to Bournemouth, courtesy of a late Justin Kluivert goal, means the south London side are winless in four league games.
“We had enough situations where we could have had a finish or a good finish,” Glasner said.
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“But in the end, we had three shots. We have to blame ourselves for being more direct, to be more decisive in front of the opposition’s goal.
“It’s disappointing because, especially in the second half, we controlled the game.”
Palace are eight points clear of the relegation zone but have only recorded one win, against strugglers Burnley, in their last eight and Glasner is still awaiting his first win on the road.
The Eagles haven’t scored against the treble winners at Selhurst Park since 2019 and need to pick up points if they want to avoid being dragged into the battle for survival.
“We’ve got Manchester City next, they come to Selhurst and it’s a game where we won’t have a lot of possession,” Glasner commented.
“Maybe we will get three or four chances but we have to be efficient. If you are not efficient you can lose everywhere.”
Palace have suffered with injuries across their squad this season. Sam Johnstone, Marc Guehi, Cheick Doucoure, Odsonne Edouard, Rob Holding, and Matheus Franca are all out for Saturday.
