Since arriving from Flamengo in the summer, the Brazilian teenager has yet to appear for the Eagles.
Matheus Franca, a recent addition to Crystal Palace, is hoped to be ready to make his debut soon after the international break.
In August, Palace spent almost £17 million, plus an additional £9 million in add-ons, to sign the highly regarded Brazilian kid from Flamengo.
His lower back ailment, though, has prevented him from playing for the Eagles yet. A developing injury crisis has left Roy Hodgson’s team without seven additional players, including important offensive players Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.
Franca has been participating in the major first-team training sessions with his teammates for more than a week already, and club officials believes he is recuperating ahead of schedule.
The 19-year-old was eased into full training, beginning at Copers Cope with just personal training sessions with a fitness trainer before moving on to solo work on the grass.
The international for Brazil’s under-20 team is a flexible player that can play anywhere in the front line as well as in offensive midfield.
On October 21, Palace travels to Newcastle United for their first game following the break. Franca hopes to be fully recovered in time to play at St. James’ Park.
Goalkeeper Dean Henderson underwent a second scan on his injured thigh muscle on Thursday, and Palace will soon find out if their fears of a protracted absence from the field were realized.
After a preliminary scan last week, it appeared that his right thigh injury was significant.
When Henderson made his Palace debut last Tuesday against his old team, Manchester United, he was injured. In the 19th minute of Palace’s 3-0 Carabao Cup loss, the £20 million acquisition had to be substituted.
Leave a Reply