Franca continues rehab with Palace U21s

Recovering star Matheus Franca is set to play for Crystal Palace's Under-23s in the week.

He will take on Monaco with the Under-23s as part of his recovery from a back problem.

Franca, who did come off the bench against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, wants more minutes under his belt.

Palace are hoping to get him back as soon as possible, given they are without injured duo Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze.

Last week, boss Roy Hodgson said to reporters of Franca: 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."

Nathan Ferguson, Naouirou Ahamada and Remi Matthews are a few others who will be in the Palace U23 squad for the Monaco game.