Matheus Franca will not feature for Crystal Palace until February because of his recurring groin injury.

Following his move to Selhurst Park last summer, the attacker has managed less than six hours of football, with Oliver Glasner able to utilise the Brazilan just twice since taking over in South London.

Franca's horrific run of injuries has limited his minutes in red and blue, having suffered broken ribs and a back issue before picking up a surgery-inducing groin problem at the end of last season.

When quizzed on Franca's situation, Glasner confirmed the 20-year-old continues to build towards a return but remains in the early phase of his rehabilitation.

"Let's get him back to training. If a player is injured for eight months, he needs one month/six weeks to train constantly with the team. He also needs a few games with the Under-21s to get in shape. 

"We have a responsibility for the player and for the squad. There’s no chance of seeing him in the first team until the middle or end of February.

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"He’s getting closer. Working hard with our rehab stuff. He’s on the pitch now. He was already training with us but suffered a setback.

"When a player struggles for so many months, I’m very cautious to give a timeframe. I don’t want to put pressure on him or our rehab staff.

"They’re working hard. He needs to get the confidence back, so he can do everything without having another setback. It’s very fragile in this phase. He will get all the time he needs."