After missing Wednesday's League Cup exit, two African stars are set to return to the Eagles' set-up to face Maurizio Sarri's men on Sunday
Wilfried Zaha and Cheikhou Kouyate 'will be fine' when Crystal Palace take on Chelsea in Sunday's London derby, says manager Roy Hodgson.
The Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal internationals were both missing in action when Middlesbrough knocked Palace out of the English League Cup on Wednesday.
Prior to the midweek outing, the duo played a huge part in helping the Selhurst Park outfit end Arsenal's winning run last Sunday after winning a penalty each that was converted by Luka Milivojevic to salvage a crucial home point.
After explaining the reason for their absence against the Smoggies, Hodgson is confident of Zaha and Kouyate's return as they aim to end Chelsea's unbeaten run in the English top-flight this campaign.
Article continues below
"McArthur, Wilf and Cheik Kouyate had knocks and didn’t travel to Middlesbrough, but they will be fine," Hodgson said in his pre-match conference.
"He [Zaha] jarred his shoulder, but there was never any question that wouldn’t be good by the latter part of the week. I never had any fears about him."
Crystal Palace have won just two league games this term and are placed 14th in the English top-flight log with eight points from 10 games.
Source: goal
