MATHEUS FRANCA is ready for his Crystal Palace debut next weekend after a frustrating start to life with the Eagles.
The Brazilian forward was Palace’s big summer capture for £17million.
But he has been held up after the discovery of a hairline fracture in his back.
However, Franca, 19, has now stepped up his training.
And he is available to boss Roy Hodgson as he prepares for Saturday’s trip to Newcastle.
Michael Olise is closing on a return, too, and is scheduled to be in the squad to face Tottenham the week after.
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Franca has been likened to Vinicius Jr.
Palace beat Chelsea to the signature of the Brazilian wonderkid.
For Flamengo Franca scored nine goals in 54 games.
Upon signing for the south London side, Franca told Palace media: “I’m very happy to be here. I hope I can bring good results for our supporters, for the other players and everybody else in the team.
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“I’m very excited for my first game here at my new home, giving my best for my new team.
“I hope all the supporters are happy with me coming here. I bet it is going to be good for all of us.”
Now he will have the chance to show what he can do, with a total of seven Palace stars out of commission through injury, including Eberechi Eze and fellow new boy Jefferson Lerma.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
