R1MFD8 LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Roy Hodgson of Crystal Palace during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal FC at Selhurst Park on October 28, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (MB Media)
Matheus Franca is in line to play for Crystal Palace’s Under-23s against Monaco on Tuesday, as the £26million summer signing steps up his fitness ahead of Friday’s visit of Tottenham.
Franca made his Palace debut as a late substitute against Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday after missing the start of the season due to a back injury.
Palace could do with some added creativity without injured duo Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, and the 19-year-old Brazilian hopes for more involvement against Spurs.
Franca has been named in the Palace U23 squad to face Monaco in a Premier League International Cup fixture at the VBS Community Stadium, the home of Sutton United.
Speaking ahead of the Newcastle game, Eagles boss Roy Hodgson said: “We think he is going to be a big player for Crystal Palace, but it doesn’t have to be when he’s just stepped through the door and he’s only recovered from injury 10 days ago.”
Nathan Ferguson, Naouirou Ahamada and Remi Matthews are also in the Palace U23 squad to face Monaco.
