Leeds United employee delighted by Crystal Palace player update as Raphinha claim issued
Noel Whelan was delighted to hear Michael Olise is a doubt for Crystal Palace ahead of Monday’s clash against Leeds United.
The former Leeds striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Eagles being without the 20-year-old is like Jesse Marsch’s men losing Raphinha.
Olise was substituted off in the first half of Wednesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Newcastle with a foot problem.
As quoted by football.london on Friday (22 April), Patrick Vieira confirmed the winger is a doubt for Monday’s game and will undergo assessment on Saturday.
Whelan admitted he was secretly thrilled to see Olise limp off at St James’ Park ahead Leeds’ trip to Selhurst Park.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “Vieira’s brought in players that hurt teams in that final third.
“Olise’s definitely one player that’s exciting. From that right-hand he gets on the ball and provides really good deliveries. He’s very attacking and not afraid to take people on.
“When I saw him going off the other night, I was quite happy with that. He’s one player that excites the fans again. It’s very much like us losing a Raphinha.
“We can see what the difference is when we don’t have Raphinha in the side. I’m hoping it’s going to be the same for Crystal Palace on Monday night.”
Olise has been a creative spark for Crystal Palace this season after joining from Reading last summer.
He has scored four goals and chipped in with eight assists in 28 appearances across all competitions.
In other news, Leeds United fears senior star’s season is over after devastating training ground blow.