Cheick Doucouré
CRYMali
Right
Jan 8, 2000
26
5'11"
CM
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Deep-Lying Playmaker
PalaceRecovering after minor setback
Doucoure (knee) missed a few training sessions during the week, as manager Oliver Glasner revealed that "Cheicky had a few disrupted weeks. First of all, he had a daughter - that meant he was not in for two or three days. Then, he started training. He felt a little bit, in his muscle, not a heavy injury. But after two or three days' training, he was out for two or three days. He was in again, he had a scan and is fine, so I'm hoping he'll be back by the end of the week.", Bobby Manzi of News Shopper reports.
Analysis: Doucoure had made huge progress in rehabilitation from a long-term injury and even started for the youth team in March, but he's still unable to take part in top-division action. With the midfielder making his last first-team appearance in January 2025, he might still be far from becoming a consistent participant, and he'll continue to make a gradual return to full training in upcoming weeks. All of Jefferson Lerma, Will Hughes and Adam Wharton may rotate in starting positions while Doucoure remains out.
Starts with youth team
Doucoure (knee) is in the starting squad for Friday's clash against Blackburn Rovers in Premier League 2, the club posted.
Analysis: Doucoure continues to ramp up his fitness with the youth squad in Premier League 2 and is set to start Friday's clash against Blackburn Rovers. The midfielder has been sidelined for over a year while recovering from an ACL injury, but his return to the lineup with the reserves is a strong sign he's closing in on a full comeback. If his progression stays on track, he could be pushing for a return to senior action in the coming weeks.
Still "long way to go"
Doucoure (knee) is still not an option and "there's still a long way to go for him," according to manager Oliver Glasner.
Analysis: Doucoure is still working his way back from injury and despite joining team training a few weeks ago, he is claimed to need more time to recover. This will be something to watch as he nears a return, with the midfielder still not yet to appear this season due to a torn ACL from more than a year ago. With the player in need of more recovery, his return likely won't come for another week or two, likely close to the end of February or March.
Joins team training
Doucoure (knee) was able to participate in training with the group for a few minutes, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "It was the first time - just for 20 minutes in the warm-up, in the rondo - that he was part of the group. He had his surgery on 28th January last year, so one year ago, and everybody was - because Cheicky is such a lovely guy - everybody was pleased for him."
Analysis: Doucoure is still recovering from his knee surgery from last season, nearing a year out. However, the midfielder is seeing a major update, as the midfielder did train for 20 minutes in a rondo session, a huge step in the right direction. He will then look to see a return in the next few weeks, probably needing to train fully for a week or so before he is viewed as an option.
Still building fitness
Doucoure (knee) is still far from making his return to competition since he is still building his fitness and trying to find stability and consistency, coach Oliver Glasner said in a press conference. "It takes time. I can't tell you a date Cheicky will be back with us. [It's about] getting him stable and consistent.
Analysis: Doucoure has been recovering from an ACL injury since late January and will need more time before making his return to the match squad, as he is still trying to find stability and consistency. The midfielder will then train and play for the U21 team to build his match fitness before resuming the senior squad loop and getting back to the pitch. This will take some time, which will likely sideline him until at least late January or early February, as it will depend on how he progresses during that period and whether he avoids a new setback in his recovery.
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