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Late fitness test for midfielder – Roy Hodgson provides Crystal Palace injury news ahead of Spurs trip

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Nathaniel Clyne has returned to training ahead of Saturday’s clash at Tottenham Hotspur – but midfielder Naouirou Ahamada faces a late fitness test after picking up a knock.

The 32-year-old defender Clyne has been missing since the 5-1 win at Leeds United, with Joel Ward having the starting spot at right-back under the former England boss Hodgson.

French winter signing Ahamada has yet to feature under the 75-year-old since he replaced Patrick Vieira until the end of the season.

The Eagles reached the 40-point mark in the Premier League last weekend after their 4-3 win over West Ham.

Spurs – managed by caretaker coach Ryan Mason – are nine points away from the Champions League spots.

“He’s back in training, which is good news for us,” Hodgson said when asked about Clyne’s fitness.

“He will be available to play at the weekend.

“We lost James Tomkins to a calf strain – I don’t know how long that will keep him out. But that will certainly not make him available for this game.

“Nathan Ferguson and James McArthur [are also out]. Naouirou Ahamada has taken a knock in training to his ankle.

“He hasn’t trained on Tuesday and he won’t play today. But he will have a fitness test tomorrow to see if he will be available for the game.

“It’s a knock rather than an injury.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD

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