Crystal Palace set for quadruple injury boost ahead of Newcastle clash with Matheus Franca in line for debut

Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucoure, the midfield combo, are on the verge of overcoming concerns ahead of the game.

Roy Hodgson is confident that four Crystal Palace players will be able to return to action against Newcastle tomorrow.

Only Chelsea has suffered more injuries among Premier League teams than Palace’s small first-team roster in the first two months of the season.

 

Crystal Palace eye Brazilian wonderkid Matheus Franca and could land  Flamengo teen for under transfer buyout clause | The Sun

 

Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise, both key attackers, are still out with hamstring problems, but a quartet of Eagles players could return in time for tomorrow’s showdown at St James’ Park.

Cheick Doucoure, a defensive midfielder, had a hamstring injury just over a fortnight ago. Despite being selected for Mali, he did not play during the international break, but he is set to return to Palace action soon.

Jefferson Lerma, a fellow midfield pivot who has been exercising for less than two weeks after suffering a thigh injury, is also set for a final examination today ahead of the Newcastle match.

Naouirou Ahamada is also expected to play against the Magpies after being out since mid-September owing to a fluke incident in training in which he inflicted slight damage to his foot by kicking the ground.

The most exciting news for Eagles fans is that £26 million signing Matheus Franca is believed to be fit enough to start tomorrow. Due to severe back problems, the 19-year-old has yet to make his debut after joining from Flamengo in the summer.

In addition to Eze and Olise, Palace are missing Nathan Ferguson, Joel Ward, Jairo Riedewald, Dean Henderson, and Jeffrey Schlupp.

Ward, the Palace captain, is the most likely to return, although tomorrow’s game may be too soon for him.

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