Eberechi Eze has 'very little chance' of starting for Crystal Palace against Aston Villa on Saturday afternoon, according to The Athletic's Matt Woosnam. 

The lowdown

Last time out against Burnley, the 23-year-old featured in Palace's matchday squad for the first time this season. However, he watched the entirety of the 3-3 draw from the sidelines, with Patrick Vieira holding him back for now.

Eze hasn't featured for Palace's first team for more than six months now, having sustained an Achilles injury in training in May. He has made two appearances for the club's under-23s in recent weeks to aid his return his fitness.

The latest

On Saturday morning, Woosnam was asked by a supporter in The Athletic's matchday discussion whether there was a 'good chance' of Eze being selected in Vieira's XI.

The journalist replied: "Very little chance of Eze starting just yet. Expect him to get minutes off the bench before that happens."

The verdict

With James McArthur now out injured, there does appear to be an opening in the Palace midfield, but Woosnam has previously written that Jeffrey Schlupp will likely be the preferred option until Eze is completely ready.

It's hard to argue against a cautious approach given the evident severity of the injury. Patience will seemingly be required, but it's easy to understand that Eagles fan's apparent eagerness for the 23-year-old to return today.

He was the team's most creative player last season, finishing the campaign with six assists and an average of 1.3 key passes per 90 (via WhoScored). His return can't come quick enough, but it might not necessarily come today, if Woosnam's prediction proves correct.

In other news, Mark Wyatt reckons this man will be dropped on Saturday.