Crystal Palace boost as summer signing Matheus Franca nears debut

Crystal Palace believe summer signing Matheus Franca will be fit to make his debut shortly after the international break.

There is a chance the Brazilian could make the bench for tomorrow's home match against Nottingham Forest, but Palace are reluctant to rush him back.

They spent about £17million plus £9m in add-ons to sign the highly rated winger from Flamengo in August. However, an injury in his lower back has prevented Franca from playing for the Eagles.

Roy Hodgson's side have seven other players unavailable amid a growing injury crisis, with key attackers Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise both sidelined. Club staff believe Franca is recovering ahead of schedule, and he has been taking part in the main first-team training sessions for more than a week.

The 19-year-old had been eased into full training — only doing personal work with a fitness trainer for his first month at Copers Cope, before progressing to solo work on grass.

The Under-20 international can play anywhere across the front line, as well as in attacking midfield.

Palace's first match after the international break sees them visit Newcastle United on October 21. Franca is targeting being back to full fitness in time to feature at St James' Park.

Chairman Steve Parish said when Franca signed: "Palace have a long history of attacking players with skill, pace, and tenacity."