Crystal Palace blow as Michael Olise update provided post-Aston Villa

Crystal Palace’s prospects for the final weeks of the campaign have today been dealt something of a blow, owing to a fitness update on one of the club’s star performers.

The player in question? Michael Olise.

Wide-man Olise marked a surprise absence from Palace’s latest matchday squad on Sunday, as the Eagles made the trip to the Midlands for a Premier League meeting with Aston Villa.

Speaking to the media on the back of the full-time whistle at Villa Park, it therefore came as little surprise when the subject of his fellow countryman’s omission was put to boss Patrick Vieira.

And the French tactician went on to reveal not only that Olise has picked up a fresh injury, but that the problem is set to see him ruled out for the remainder of the campaign:

“Michael was injured,” Vieira explained. “He had a step back and will not play again this season.”

Michael Olise will miss the remainder of Crystal Palace’s season with injury, Patrick Vieira has confirmed.

The winger was absent from today’s 1-1 draw with Villa and will also miss PL games vs Everton and Manchester United 👇#CPFC https://t.co/ZJpLa6x1Ks

— Crystal Palace FC News (@AdvertiserCPFC) May 15, 2022

Schlupp on target

Turning attentions towards the action itself on Sunday, Palace were forced to come from behind to eventually steal a hard-fought share of the spoils, owing to a 1-1 stalemate with Aston Villa.

Steven Gerrard’s hosts opened the scoring on the day a little over 20 minutes from time, when Ollie Watkins bundled home beyond Jack Butland.

Vieira’s Eagles, though, bagged a decisive equaliser a short time later, as Jeffrey Schlupp emerged from the bench to slot home from a recycled set-piece, ensuring that the two sides would ultimately emerge with a point apiece.