Roy Hodgson has received a welcome boost to his squad selection options after key centre-back James Tomkins was pictured returning to training following a long-term thigh injury.
The former West Ham defender was pictured along with his teammates at the Eagles’ Beckenham training facility recently, though Hodgson had previously confirmed his initial return to first-team preparations at the start of the month.
The centre-back has since been rebuilding his fitness and he looks to work his way back into Roy Hodgson’s starting XI.
The squad was recently boosted following the return of extra senior squad members, such as Jeffrey Schlupp and Patrick van Aanholt. Schlupp and van Aanholt were featured in the squad that took on rivals Brighton at home, with the former starting out wide.
Palace take on Fulham as they look to break a winless run of three games.
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Palace right-back Joel Ward has recently spoken on recent changes to the Palace squad, claiming that competition for places has driven the squad to improve.
With Tomkins joining other regular senior players in returning to the fold, Hodgson’s dilemma in selecting a range of options is a good problem to have. Palace can take comfort with the greater depth they possess as they look ahead to Saturday’s clash with Fulham.
Whilst Tomkins appears to be building up his fitness, it is unlikely he would start against Fulham; he will likely be eased slowly into action without risking further exposure. Gary Cahill and Cheikhou Kouyate most recently filled in reliably together in the heart of defence against Brighton and would likely continue to hold down their spots.
