Wilfried Zaha could be back to his best for Crystal Palace for their trip to Sheffield United this weekend.
Everton tried to sign Zaha this summer and the forward put in a transfer request in a bid to force the move.
In the end the window shut and the 26-year-old remained at Selhurst Park. Zaha was sent home from training on deadline day by manager Roy Hodgson because his head “was not right.”
The following day the Ivory Coast international returned. According to the Sun, he was summoned to a players meeting organised by teammate Mamadou Sakho.
It was held without Hodgson’s knowledge and Sakho told Zaha the rest of the squad expected him to show commitment to Palace. At least until the next transfer window opens in January.
Zaha agreed to put his differences with the club’s hierarchy to one side and give his all on the pitch. Hodgson was then informed of the meeting and the attacker was included for the Premier League opener against the Toffees.
MORE UNITED STORIES
Zaha came off the bench as a substitute and received a warm reception from the Eagles fans. He could now be ready to return to the starting XI.
Zaha return is good news for Crystal Palace, bad news for the Blades
It means that the Ivorian could be coming back into the fold just in time for the league clash at Bramall Lane. The visit of Palace is United’s first home match in the top flight in 12 years.
After drawing 1-1 at Bournemouth on the opening day, the Blades will be confident of getting their first win of the season on home soil.
However, whether Zaha plays or not is a huge factor. In the 15 league matches the attacker has not played in since September 2016, the Eagles have lost 13 times.
The absence of Zaha this Sunday would have been a big boost to the Blades. However, they still have enough talent to beat the South Londoners regardless.