Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner boosted in midfield but remains without talisman

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has been boosted by the return of Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucoure ahead of their trip to Villa Park on Saturday.

Doucoure, who featured for 28 minutes from the bench against Fulham before the international break, is ready to start against Aston Villa for the first time in eight games. It comes after the 24-year-old spent most of last season on the sidelines with an Achilles injury while suffering damage to a toe tendon on his return earlier this term.

His fellow midfielder Jefferson Lerma will also be involved tomorrow following three weeks on the sidelines with a hamstring problem.

However, the Eagles continue to be without Eberechi Eze, but the attacker is nearing a comeback after rejoining training this week.

Detailing the players at his disposal, Glasner said: "Will Hughes is back after suspension. Jefferson Lerma is back. Cheick Doucoure is ready to start after two weeks of very good training.

"Eberechi Eze would like to be involved but I decided not to take him, it’s too risky. He trained during the week but it’s too near - when you see our schedule we have to protect our players. Eight games in December, we can’t take any risks, that’s why he’s not involved.

"Doucoure trained with our under-21s during the international break and had a friendly game with them.

"Adam Wharton will come back maybe not for Newcastle but in one or two weeks.”