Crystal Palace finally set to unleash Matheus Franca on Premier League defences

BY EDMUND BRACK
edmund@slpmedia.co.uk

Matheus Franca is ready to be involved in his first Crystal Palace matchday squad for this weekend’s Premier League clash at Newcastle United.

The 19-year-old was the Eagles’ stellar summer signing as they splashed a fee that could land Flamengo up to £26milllion, including future add-ons.

Franca has been absent from the start of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign after a stress fracture in his lower back was detected during his medical.

“I was shown videos of him,” said Palace boss Roy Hodgson before the first game of the season against Sheffield United.

“I was told by Dougie [Freedman, sporting director] and Steve [Parish, chairman] that we think this is a player at 19 years of age who is a player for the future – it’s very easy for me to go along with that.”

His return will majorly boost Roy Hodgson’s attacking options, with the 76-year-old forced to name four academy youngsters on the bench for their 0-0 draw with Forest before the international break.

Joel Ward, Cheick Doucoure, Naouirou Ahamada and Jefferson Lerma could also all be available for selection as they stepped up their return from injury over the international break.

The South Londoners head to Newcastle tomorrow and will be looking to build on their three-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

Eddie Howe’s side will be sweating on Sandro Tonali’s situation ahead of Saturday’s game, with the midfielder embroiled in a betting scandal that has rocked Italian football.

Tonali, who joined the Magpies in the summer for £55m, looks set for a lengthy ban from the sport after the 23-year-old reportedly bet on AC Milan matches during his time at the San Siro.

Newcastle are one point ahead of the Eagles and eighth in the Premier League table.

Marc Guehi clocked up just 27 minutes of football for England over the international break but played a role in their third goal in the 3-1 win over Italy on Tuesday – as Gareth Southgate’s side qualified for Euro 2024. Manchester United’s Harry Maguire lined up alongside John Stones for the win over the Azzurri with Guehi forced to settle for a substitute role.

“Marc is doing really, really well,” said former Palace defender Southgate. “At times he might not catch the eye in the way that some other players do – because he’s in the right place, so he’s not having to turn round and cover for something that he’s got wrong.

“‘He’s a very calm player and positionally excellent. [He is] composed with the ball and [has a] very good mentality.”

Jordan Ayew played the full 90 minutes in Ghana’s 4-0 defeat against the USA. Centre-back Chris Richards  was substituted off in the 72nd minute of the friendly.

PICTURE CREDIT: CPFC