Loftus-Cheek return a huge boost for Palace

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is expected to be fit to play his first match of 2018. The 22-year-old had been recuperating with Chelsea after receiving treatment for an ankle injury. The midfielder has suffered setbacks in recovery attempts and has not played since 28th December.

Before injury, Loftus-Cheek was widely expected to be a contender for the England squad selection. In his absence, Palace have suffered a disappointing run and are currently sat in the bottom three of the Premier League.

Palace manager Roy Hodgson is looking forward to welcoming Loftus-Cheek back for the Huddersfield match on 17th March. Gareth Southgate will also be observing the availability of the young player, particularly as he has limited central midfield options for the World Cup. 

Loftus-Cheek is expected to return to training this week and, all being well, Hodgson is hoping ''that he will come on Monday, walk into the treatment room, they will say "How you feeling Ruben?" and he will say, "I'm feeling great, what time does training start?". 'That is what I am hoping for. I've had a few disappointments lately so I've learnt to lower my level of hope and optimism."

Hodgson will also have Wilfried Zaha and Mamadou Sakho at his disposal providing they pass late fitness tests, along with Timothy Fosu-Mensah who was ineligible to play against his parent club Manchester United on Monday.