Yannick Bolasie has told manager Alan Pardew he is ready to return to the Crystal Palace team following the death of his father.
Bolasie missed last weekend’s home victory against Aston Villa on compassionate grounds, traveling back to his home in DR Congo to be with his family.
SEE MORE: Arsenal face defensive doubts again at Newcastle.
The 26-year-old winger has returned to London and, according to Pardew, is in a “good frame of mind” and keen to play against Barclays Premier League champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday despite his difficult week.
Bolasie’s father followed Palace home and away and it will be the first time he has played without his father’s watching eye.
“He has lost his father and of course that affects any human being and any family, and he’s dealing with his family,” Pardew said.
“He’ll be involved on Saturday because he wants to be involved. Because his father went to every game. I think that’s good for us, it’ll be good for him and his family.
SEE MORE: Kevin Nolan leaves West Ham United by mutual consent.
“The player’s welfare is in good shape, he’s in a good frame of mind. We’re very pleased that he’s dealing with it so well.”
