As part of his ongoing recovery from a lengthy knee injury, Chadi Riad has featured as part of the Under-21s to regain match fitness.
Since suffering a knee injury against Norwich City back in August, the centre-back has played for Palace U21s’ on two occasions against Anderlecht and Fulham - playing 45 and 60 minutes respectively.
Speaking to cpfc.co.uk after the Fulham game, Riad said: “The recovery is going well, thanks to God.
“I know it's been a long and hard process, where I've had to work a lot, but thanks to God I've been able to enjoy the first 45 minutes with the U21s, and now 60 minutes.
"I'm going to work 100% to have the opportunity to play with the first-team again.”
The defender has been playing as part of a back three, similar to the setup of the first-team which he is used to.
“It's been very good [to play in this system], because it prepares myself and the young players for games with the first-team.
“We know what we have to do [in each position] and to have the same dynamic really helps a lot.”
Gaining minutes, match fitness and playing in a similar position has all culminated in a positive outlook for the centre-back for the remainder of the season.
“Honestly, it's been tough, because it's my first injury in a long time," Riad said.
“It's definitely been a time of learning, of working on myself, of knowing what my weaknesses are, to improve them, and to become stronger than ever, and to show that on the pitch.
“Every player wants to come back as soon as possible, to help in whatever way, on the pitch, off the pitch, whatever.
“I'm a player who always gives 100%. Both in training, and if the coach gives me the pleasure of having a few minutes, and that's all.”
