Christian Benteke set to make return after FA Cup following minor setback, says Roy Hodgson

The forward underwent minor knee surgery in October

Christian Benteke has suffered a minor setback in his recovery from injury but should be back in training after Crystal Palace’s FA Cup tie against Grimsby Town, manager Roy Hodgson has revealed.

The forward underwent minor knee surgery in October and, up until recently, had been making “exceptional” progress in his rehabilitation programme.

Hodgson was initially told by his medical staff that Palace’s record signing was a week ahead of schedule but, speaking prior to the side’s Boxing Day clash with Cardiff, the former England boss said Benteke wouldn’t be fit to return until the New Year.

“I think the medical and sports science people always told me I wouldn’t be able to count on him until the end of December, beginning of January,” he said.

“That’s where he is. He was a week ahead of schedule and we were hoping we would be back in training with the team next week, but that’s been put back.

“I think it will probably now be after the FA Cup tie [against Grimsby Town] but the good thing is he is working hard and he is absolutely determined to get back on that field of play and score the goals that he was brought to the club to score.

“His attitude has been excellent in his recovery and we’re looking forward to seeing him again. We don’t think it will be too long.”

Regarding Palace’s additional injury concerns ahead of Cardiff’s visit to Selhurst Park, Hodgson said: “I would think Wayne [Hennessey] and Cheikou [Kouyate] should be OK. Martin Kelly is somewhat more of a doubt but I wouldn’t be surprised if he isn’t fit either.”

Hodgson also insisted that the pressure remains on himself and his players despite Saturday’s shock 3-2 win at Manchester City, warning that Palace needs to get a result against Cardiff.

“We know that is going to be a difficult game. We were under the impression it might be a really crucial fixture if we want to get up to something like 18 or 19 points in the first half of the season. I suppose this win [over City] has relieved that pressure slightly, but not for me it hasn’t, or the players.

“If we are really going to take advantage of these three – you could call them bonus points because not many people expected us to get them – we have to get a result against Cardiff. If we were to lose that game at home all we’ve done really is swap the games around.

“I’ve made that clear to the players and I fully trust them to take that message on board.”