Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson has revealed that Wilfried Zaha is set to return to training later this week.

The Ivory Coast international has made 24 Premier League appearances this season, scoring six goals and providing two assists.

However, he has missed Palace's last three games after he picked up a groin injury during a 2-1 win over Leicester City earlier this month.

With Zaha's current contract set to expire at the end of the season, there was a fear that the forward had played his last game for the club.

The 30-year-old will miss Tuesday's Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers alongside Nathaniel Clyne, but Hodgson is hopeful that the pair will return to training later this week.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hodgson said: "We're hoping at some stage during the week both Wilf and Nathaniel Clyne will be able to join us as well, so in that respect, the squad is looking quite healthy.

"I don't know if it's going to be likely [they're available] for West Ham, but at least it's going to be good to see them back in training during the course of the week.

"There was never any question they would be considered for tomorrow night's game."

Palace have managed to pick up seven points from three matches in Zaha's absence, but Hodgson is still keen for his talisman to make a speedy recovery.

"We are going to be happy when he returns. We still think, in these final games of the season, if we want to finish as we'd like to finish he's going to play an important part. I can only hope he gets fit sooner rather than later."

As it stands, Zaha will be allowed to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season, although Palace have not given up hope of extending his stay, and they are reportedly set to offer him a new four-year deal.

The Eagles have experienced an upturn in fortunes since Hodgson returned to the dugout, with his first four games producing three wins and one draw.

Those results have helped alleviate the club's relegation fears, with Palace boasting a nine-point cushion to the drop zone. body check tags ::