Matheus Franca steps up Crystal Palace fitness bid as Tottenham showdown looms | OneFootball

Debut: Matheus Franca came off the bench for Crystal Palace against Newcastle

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Dom Smith

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.”