Crystal Palace have reportedly given Michael Olise and Matheus Franca a fitness boost.
After suffering injuries throughout the summer, the tandem is yet to appear this season.
Olise suffered a thigh injury while playing for France’s Under-21 team in the European Championships in June, and has not played since.
Meanwhile, Franca has yet to make his Palace debut after coming from Flamengo during the summer transfer window.
The Brazilian did not appear in any of the final five matches before joining Palace, and he has struggled since coming at Selhurst Park.
However, according to journalist Alan Nixon, Franca will make his Eagles debut against Newcastle United on Saturday.
Nixon also stated that Olise is making significant progress in his comeback after being sidelined for four months, and that he might be included in the squad that plays Tottenham Hotspur a week later.
Given Palace’s struggles in front of goal, having two more offensive options available to manager Roy Hodgson will be extremely beneficial.
Palace’s only goal in their last four games has come from Joachim Andersen’s strike against Old Trafford at the end of September.
This record was extended by a 0-0 tie at home against Nottingham Forest before the international break, in which the visitors scored twice.
Despite considerable profligacy in front of goal, Hodgson has led Palace to ninth place, thanks largely to four clean sheets in their first eight games.
However, the return of Olise, who had 11 Premier League assists last season, might bring a lot of creativity back into the Palace lineup.
With Eberechi Eze certain to miss some time, Olise’s comeback will be well timed, given Palace’s growing injury list.
While Franca is more of an unknown quantity, Palace fans will be hoping for more goals from him as well.
With Flamengo, the 19-year-old scored seven league goals and two more on the continent in the Copa Libertadores.
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