Wilfried Zaha is expected back in London today after being released from the Ivory Coast camp without playing a single minute through injury.

The attacker was called up to The Elephants squad for their African Cup of Nations qualifier against Rwanda despite carrying a hamstring injury.

Zaha has been side-lined since the A23 derby with Brighton a fortnight ago and missed last week's FA Cup defeat at Watford with the injury.

The inclusion of the 26-year-old raised eye-brows last week in the Eagles camp as they suggested the 6,000-mile round trip would be a wasted journey.

Their suspicions were confirmed when Ivory Coast’s medical team, who had been in constant contact with Palace’s, deemed the player unfit for the fixture which they won 3-0.

With the player expected back under Palace’s watchful eye today they will be hopeful he will be available for Saturday’s home tie with Huddersfield as they look to pull away from the relegation zone.

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