KEEPER Dean Henderson hopes to return for Crystal Palace before the end of the year after a miserable injury run.
Hendo, 26, has had a scan on a thigh problem that forced him off at Manchester United in a Carabao Cup tie in September.
It was his only appearance since joining from the Red Devils in the summer but he is closing in on a return date next month.
Henderson signed for Palace in a £15million deal in August.
The fee could rise to £20m with add-ons.
He was on the bench for Man Utd’s first three Prem games of this season, prior to making the switch to Selhurst Park.
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The one-cap England international was then a sub for three Palace league games.
Boss Roy Hodgson handed him his Eagles debut in a League Cup clash with United at Old Trafford.
But Henderson’s return lasted just 19 minutes before he was forced off with injury.
Sam Johnstone has continued in goal for Hodgson and Co.
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Henderson will hope to challenge Johnstone for his place before the New Year.
Palace’s former No1 Vicente Guaita left the club earlier this year.
He joined struggling Celta Vigo in LaLiga.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk