Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie available for selection vs. Chelsea
Yannick Bolasie will make his return to the Crystal Palace lineup Saturday against Chelsea following the death of his father last week, manager Alan Pardew told reporters.
The 26-year-old winger was not present for the club's 2-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend. He was at home with his family in the Democratic Republic of the Congo to grieve.
Related: Crystal Palace's Yannick Bolasie not included in squad vs. Aston Villa
Pardew said Thursday that Bolasie is "in a good frame of mind" and is expected to feature at some point against the defending Premier League champion.
"He'll be involved on Saturday because he wants to be involved," Pardew said. "Because his father went to every game. I think that's good for us, it'll be good for him and his family."
Goalkeeper Julian Speroni is also back to full fitness, but backup Alex McCarthy will remain in goal.
Bolasie is one of Palace's standout players, registering four goals and six assists last season. He has reportedly attracted interest from Tottenham.
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