After more than a year in the wilderness, there is finally a "light at the end of the tunnel" for Crystal Palace fans. As of Thursday, February 26, 2026, Malian midfield anchor Cheick Doucouré has officially rejoined first-team training at Copers Cope, marking a massive milestone in his recovery from a devastating ACL injury.
Doucouré, who has not made a senior appearance since January 2025, has been integrated back into the group over the last few days, participating in "rondo" sessions and light ball work as part of a meticulously managed comeback plan.
The Timeline: A Grueling Year of Rehab
Doucouré’s absence has been the "dark cloud" over Selhurst Park for the past 13 months. Here is how his journey back to the grass looks:
The Injury (Jan 18, 2025): Doucouré’s season was cut short during a 2–0 win over West Ham, leading to major knee surgery and a projected 9-month layoff.
The Setback (August 2025): Just as he was nearing a return for the start of the current season, he suffered a "significant complication" in his rehabilitation that sidelined him for another six months.
The Return (Feb 24, 2026): Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that Doucouré completed his first 20-minute group session this week, though he cautioned that the midfielder is still "a few weeks away" from match fitness.
Stat Attack: The "Doucouré-Shaped" Hole
Since Doucouré’s last appearance, Crystal Palace have struggled to find the same defensive stability in the middle of the park.
Manager's Insight: "It is a joy to see Cheick back with a smile on his face. He is our engine, but we must be patient. He has been out for a long time, and we will not risk a third setback. He will play for the U21s before he returns to the Premier League squad."
The Verdict: While he won’t be in the squad for the Conference League clash against Zrinjski Mostar tonight or the trip to Old Trafford this weekend, Doucouré is targeting a full return for the "London Derby" window in late March.