Cheick Doucoure Set for Long-Awaited Return to Crystal Palace After 20 Months Out

After nearly 20 months sidelined by serious injuries, Crystal Palace midfielder Cheick Doucoure is finally set to make a comeback. The Mali international will feature in the upcoming Carabao Cup match against Middlesbrough, ending a long and difficult recovery.

The Long Wait

Doucoure's absence has been felt deeply at Selhurst Park. The 26-year-old was named the club’s Player of the Year during his impressive debut season in 2022-23 but has faced consecutive setbacks since then. His troubles began with a ruptured Achilles tendon suffered in November 2023 during a loss to Luton Town. After returning to play 13 games, he was hit by a torn meniscus in January last year.

He showed his readiness by playing with the Under-21s at the end of last season and completed a full pre-season without issues. Now, he’s back in the senior squad, much to the relief of manager Pierre Sage and fans alike. His injury troubles also interrupted Liverpool’s interest in signing him during the summer of 2023.

Sage Shares Doucoure’s Reaction

Manager Pierre Sage spoke about Doucoure’s excitement when told about his return. “When I told him he would be with us today, his smile was incredible,” Sage said. “I think his reaction was as if I gave him $1 million. I like this kind of reaction because that’s for me the start of how we play football, how we love this game.”

Sage confirmed Doucoure will play in Tuesday’s Carabao Cup third-round clash with Middlesbrough. This will mark Doucoure’s first competitive game since Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win over Leicester City on January 15, 2025. Sage sees the midfielder’s return as a big boost for the team’s spirit as they look to build momentum early in the season.

Cautious Rotation Approach

While eager to include Doucoure, Sage prefers to limit major changes to the starting lineup. He explained he’s cautious about disrupting the team’s flow, even in cup matches. “I’m not really fond of big rotations because every time I did that I’m unhappy at the end of the game, not especially with the result but sometimes with the coordination of the players,” he admitted.

“At the beginning of the season, we have to respect all players’ commitment during sessions and maybe this is an opportunity for them to show it. We have to win this game because we are ambitious in this competition too and that’s not only about rotation.”

Crystal Palace’s Season So Far

Palace have had a shaky start in the Premier League, sitting 13th after one win and two losses. The Eagles want to regain the form that brought them multiple trophies recently — the FA Cup in 2024-25, the FA Community Shield in 2025, and the UEFA Conference League title last season.

Following their cup fixture, they will host Ipswich Town as they look for consecutive Premier League wins after a tight 3-2 victory over Fulham on Saturday.

• Competition: Carabao Cup
• Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Middlesbrough
• Date & Time: 8 September 2026, 20:45