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EXCLUSIVE: Good news for Crystal Palace as star midfielder is now set to return from injury against Brighton in major boost to Eagles

Crystal Palace have been suffering a nightmare injury crisis in recent weeks, but they have now been handed some positive news.

Several key players are injured, including Sam Johnstone and Cheick Doucoure, but Crystal Palace were able to welcome back Eberechi Eze and Tyrick Mitchell in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City.

The game saw Joel Ward depart injured, and youngster David Ozoh come on to deliver a masterclass in midfield. Defenders Chris Richards and Jairo Riedewald started out of position to form a pivot with Doucoure and Lerma injured, before Ozoh came on and Richards dropped into the back line.

Jefferson Lerma set to return for Crystal Palace

A report from London News Online has now revealed that midfielder Jefferson Lerma, who was withdrawn against Liverpool with a hamstring complaint, is now expected to return to action after missing the Man City clash.

Crystal Palace face rivals Brighton in an important clash on Thursday, and it will be a massive boost if Lerma does return to the starting XI.

LONDON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 9: Jefferson Lerma of Crystal Palace and Ryan Gravenberch of Liverpool FC during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Liverpool FC at Selhurst Park on December 9, 2023 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

The 29-year-old has made 13 appearances since joining from Bournemouth this summer, and has been one of the stronger performers in the side whenever he has featured.

If he is fit enough to feature from the start, there is no question that Lerma should be in the lineup to face Brighton.

Richards will likely drop back into defence again if Ward is absent, whilst Ozoh will also be hoping to start after his impressive performance against Man City.

With Eze also back, Palace’s options are a lot stronger than they were last week, and they are desperate for a win over Brighton, having not won in the last four encounters, and with just one win in the last eight games, there is increasing pressure on Roy Hodgson to start putting more points on the board

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