Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has explained holding back Eberichi Eze.
While the former QPR playmaker was able to return in November and made his comeback against Aston Villa, chances have been few and far between since and he failed to make it off the bench for the midweek FA Cup win over Stoke.
Vieira said: “It's just him being out for quite a while. Of course he is excited, anxious and nervous because he wants to play, he is somebody who loves the game.
“It's a difficult, challenging moment because he doesn't play as much as he would like to, but this is part of him developing as a player and going through that difficult period. I have to be sure we give him the right support to get back his ability and confidence to start playing games.
“It's still a long season and we still have games and he will be playing, there's no doubt about it."
Eze has only started three games since his return at the end of 2020, but two were in the FA Cup, which made his lack of minutes on Tuesday a surprise.
Vieira insisted: “We have a regular conversation and he's feeling good to play. There's a competition and he will have to be patient.
“When someone in the position in which he can play is having a little bit of trouble, there can be a change. He finds it difficult at the moment but that is normal. I have to support him and I strongly believe he has the ability to be part of our team and what we are trying to do."
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