Crystal Palace have received a big injury boost regarding Eberechi Eze after it was claimed the star midfielder could return to the matchday squad against Burnley.
What's the word?
The Eagles travel to Turf Moor immediately after the upcoming international break, and the fixture could mark Eze's comeback after five months out with an Achilles problem.
He took to the field for the first time in five months on Monday, playing for just over an hour as Palace's U23s fell to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers and taking a significant step in his rehabilitation process.
Eze's successful outing for the youth side led to much excitement amongst the south London outfit's supporters, and already had some dreaming of his return to Patrick Vieira's first-team squad.
"It is too early to think about a return to the first team after such a serious injury?" @KITTYKAT99 asked The Athletic's Palace reporter Dan Woosnam.
To which he replied: "Not at all, would think he will be on the bench vs Burnley if all goes well," providing hope that the highly-rated 23-year-old could be in Vieira's matchday squad on 20 November.
Crystal Palace fans will be delighted
News that Eze could make his comeback against the Clarets in just a few weeks time will leave the capital club's fanbase absolutely delighted.
The former England U21 international only arrived at Selhurst Park in the summer of 2020 via a £16m deal from Queens Park Rangers, but he soon established himself as a firm fan's favourite.
After bagging four goals and providing a further six assists for his teammates in 34 Premier League appearances, Eze quickly became a crucial cog in Palace's setup.
With the likes of Odsonne Edouard, Michael Olise and Conor Gallagher strengthening their attacking options during Eze's absence, the youngster will be itching to get back on the pitch, and seeing him in the starting XI will be a frightening prospect for any top-flight defence.
And, in other news...Vieira could unearth Palace gem in “talented” 20 y/o colossus, fans should be excited