boss has confirmed that Eberechi Eze will face a late hamstring scan before their derby against Brighton, but was more hopeful about Michael Olise’s potential availability.
The attacking duo were at the heart of Palace’s vital 3-2 win over Sheffield United, with Eze notching up two fine first-half goals while Olise picked up two assists and a second-half winner.
However, the mood around Selhurst Park was sullied after both were forced off late on in the midweek encounter.
The pair have started just four games together all season but have registered eight goals and three assists between them in those encounters.
The Eagles face a quick turnaround before Saturday’s clash and Hodgson was left unsure as to whether Eze will be able to play a part.
‘I don’t know with Eze,’ Hodgson said, speaking to the media on Friday.
‘He didn’t ask to come off, it was something that happened during the course of the game, so his muscle strain needs to be investigated.
‘He came off feeling tightness in his hamstring, so he will be going shortly for a scan. I’ll have to wait and see what the result of that is.’
The 76-year-old, however, was more optimistic about Olise’s condition, with the Frenchman substituted as a precaution following his first start of the year on Tuesday.
‘When it comes to Michael, I’m presuming and hoping he’ll be okay,’ Hodgson said. ‘It was partly precautionary the reason why he came off. We agreed with him that if he felt tired and started to feel it, he should let us know.
‘If it went before a certain point, don’t push it. That’s what did happen. He thought he was beginning to feel signs of muscle fatigue coming on, so he asked to come off.
‘We haven’t trained yet. Yesterday, because it was a second day of recovery, so I didn’t see him – and we haven’t trained today.
‘Unless something happens today, which I’m not aware of, or I’m not expecting, I think he’ll be available for the game. But I can’t give you a 100 per cent guarantee.’
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