Wilfried Zaha returns from international duty early as Ivory Coast opt not to risk Crystal Palace star

Zaha has not played a single minute of football over the international break.
Action Images via Reuters

Wilfried Zaha was expected back in England today after being released from international duty by the Ivory Coast without playing a single minute of football.

The Crystal Palace forward was called up by the Ivory Coast last week ahead of matches with Rwanda and Liberia, even though he was carrying an injury.

Zaha missed Crystal Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Watford on March 16 with a hamstring strain, but four days later he made the 3,200-mile flight to the Ivory Coast after they called him up.

The 26-year-old was assessed by Ivory Coast’s medical staff upon his arrival and consequently he played no part in Saturday’s match against Rwanda.

Instead, Zaha was forced to watch on from the stands as his team-mates ran out 3-0 winners in their final Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The forward has now been released by the Ivory Coast and he was due to land back in England today.

Crystal Palace’s medical staff were in constant contact with Zaha and the Ivory Coast during his time away.

He will now continue working at the club’s training ground as he bids to be fit for Saturday’s match against Huddersfield.

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