Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Wilfried Zaha will return to the squad for Saturday's Premier League clash with West Ham United.
The Ivory Coast international has been out of action since being forced off against Leicester City on April 1 with a groin injury.
Zaha has missed four games for the Eagles, but Hodgson has confirmed that the winger will return to the squad this weekend.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hodgson told reporters: "It is a huge boost, absolutely. We are delighted to see him back on the training field, back doing the training sessions and exercises.
"The last couple of weeks have seen him running around trying to bring his fitness up to a level that would enable him to take part in a Premier League match.
© Reuters
"Of course, you don't want to lose your best players when you're going into those matches, so I'm pretty certain he will give everyone a boost.
"I'm certain he will make our team stronger by the fact that he is now back with us, able to play."
There is uncertainty surrounding Zaha's future at the club, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
A recent report claimed that Palace are prepared to make him the highest-paid player in the club's history, but Zaha wants assurances before he decides whether to extend his stay.
© Reuters
When asked about Zaha's future, Hodgson said: "That's not my business of course, that's club business. If you ask me as a Crystal Palace fan I would say it's very important to try and keep him and I'll be more than happy if he decides to stay, but it's certainly outside of my remit.
"I'm certain that if you really wanted to know the situation between him and the club then you would have to speak either to him or to [chairman] Steve Parish or [sporting director] Dougie Freedman."
Hodgson was reappointed Palace boss last month, signing a short-term contract until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
After picking up 10 points from his first four games in charge, Hodgson oversaw the first defeat of his second spell in midweek when Palace were beaten 2-0 by Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The Eagles, who are eight points clear of the relegation zone, will be looking to return to winning ways against West Ham at Selhurst Park.
No Data Analysis info
