Matheus Franca will not be included in the Crystal Palace squad to face Everton on Saturday.

The 20-year-old made his first appearance since March 2024 in Palace's FA Cup win against Doncaster on Monday, being subbed on for the final four minutes.

Since moving to South London from Flamengo in 2023, the Brazilian has struggled with injuries, most recently a persistent groin problem, which was picked up during his recovery from a fractured rib.

Eagles boss Oliver Glasner wanted Franca to play for the under-21s before receiving minutes with the first team.

However, the Austrian coach was prompted to include him in the matchday squad to face Doncaster due to the absence of Ismaila Sarr, Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah.

With the trio set to return in time to face the Toffees, Palace will revert to their initial plan and grant Franca minutes with the under-21s.

“We will stick to our usual plan now,” Glasner revealed. “He trained the whole week, and he did very good.

“I talked with him on Friday and said that he will not be in the squad to face Everton, instead, he will prepare for more minutes with our under-21s on Monday.

“We always have target. With Adam, it was 45 minutes against Doncaster, but then he played 60 and wanted to play more. It is quite similar with Matheus. Let’s say at least 45 minutes when he feels well.

“You do not always know how a game will go and how intense it is, so maybe 45 will be enough. If it is not that intense, then maybe 60 is possible. This is the plan.”

Reflecting on his time at the club, Glasner praised Franca’s resilience and strength in dealing with setbacks after playing less than five and a half hours of football in the last two seasons.

“He is a very nice guy. He’s had ups and downs. He is feeling better and better.

“Being just short of a comeback and then having a setback again and going down again [is tough], but he’s had great support from everyone at the club and our medical team – they have worked with him for hours and hours.

“He tried to stay positive, credit to him, most of the time it worked. We all have days where we are not in the best situation, especially when you are injured for a long time.

“You do not want to ask how he is every day because he would say ‘come on, I told you yesterday, it is enough’. Then you have to leave him for a few days and encourage him again.”

Crystal Palace's under-21s face Aston Villa on Monday, with Franca expected to play his first half of football in over a year.