‘Better news’ – Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson provides injury update ahead of Newcastle United

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Cheick Doucoure, Jefferson Lerma, Joel Ward, Mathues Franca and Naouirou Ahamada will be available for Crystal Palace’s trip to Newcastle United.

The Eagles head to St James’ Park ninth in the Premier League table and one point away from Eddie Howe’s side.

The Eagles boss also confirmed that James Tomkins will miss out with a calf injury and Jeffrey Schlupp has not recovered after coming off in the first half against Nottingham Forest.

“It is better news,” Hodgson said in his pre-match press conference. “Although, we lost James Tomkins yesterday unfortunately to a calf injury. He is having a scan today.

“I hope it’s not serious but that one is a bit of a blow because until yesterday he was there as well.

“We’re down now really to [Michael] Olise, [Eberechi] Eze, [Dean] Henderson, who are injured for a period of time, and Jeff Schlupp, who came off injured in our last game against Nottingham Forest, and although he is getting quickly better, he has not recovered in time for our game tomorrow.

“The only other one, who hasn’t really been in the first-team squad for a while now unfortunately is Nathan Ferguson, but the good news for him is that he is playing some games for the U21 team and making progress, so even that is very positive news.”

Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Dean Henderson are all missing for the South Londoners.

When asked for an update on Eze and Olise, Hodgson said: “They’re making good progress, but it’s hard to get ETAs because the doctor is very cautious about when they can be allowed back in.

“It’s the sort of injury that is difficult to really test. They’re getting closer – there is no doubt about that.

“But I couldn’t tell you when.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD