I think Jairo has improved and would be a decent fill in. I still think getting Andros back on a free makes more sense (on a paid as you play basis). Think he still loves Palace and would give 110%

If Edouard is fit he starts in place of Eze.
If he's not and no-one else returns it's likely Jairo starts, although it wouldn't entirely surprise me if JRS started on the right and Ayew moved into the middle. Given we have Newcastle Arabia and Spuds after this he'll no doubt see getting something from this game as important (even if he won't admit it publicly). 12-14 points after 10 games with Newcastle away, Villa away, Spuds, Arsenal and United away all played would be a great return with our injury-hit squad. Who knows, maybe we'll get more points than that.

In terms of other youth options Jadan Raymond is the most obvious youth replacement for Eze and has looked lively in the U21s, plus he's been training with the first team this week. However, unless there are further injuries I can't see him getting more than five minutes (and I doubt he'll even get that). I would also expect to see Ola-Adebomi on the bench again, but equally it's hard to see Roy giving him more than a few minutes unless injuries force his hand. Ozoh is generally on the bench these days, but defensive midfield is one area we seem covered in.

I really don't get this Jairo thing.

A guy who was signed as a ball playing CB, has barely played in 6 seasons, and has looked off the pace when he has.

Now our best player gets injured and everyone wants him to replace him. Its not even close to being a sensible idea. Let along a good one.

If OE if fit we wither play 2 up top, or he plays left and Jeff comes into CM.

We are getting too excited about Eze's absence.
With the international break, he will be out for Saturday and maybe three other games.
Franca and Olise should be back very soon, so they will presumably be available for some of those games.

While they are out, we will have to dig in.

Edited by Hrolf The Ganger (06 Oct 2023 11.29am)

I am led to believe that Eze will be unavailable for far longer.

If I was a betting man I'd say Eze back some point in December and Olise fully fit in the new year. Very happy to be way off on that though.

It's gonna be a tough start to the winter with what I imagine will be some fairly flat but dogged displays! Very glad that we've got some points on the board and Roy steering the ship. A less experienced manager would be really struggling.