Wilfried Zaha hopes to be fit for Crystal Palace’s clash against Chelsea next month.

The Eagles star has been ruled out with a knee injury since the opening day of the season.

He has been desperately missed with Palace bottom of the Premier League following five successive defeats.

But Zaha, who played a vital role in Palace’s survival last season, is working his way back to full fitness.

The ex-Manchester United winger told talkSPORT: “It’s going well, I’m getting stronger. Hopefully I’ll be back soon. I’m trying to be back soon for the Chelsea game.

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“It’s hard to watch as obviously I want to help the team. That’s why I’m working so hard at the gym to help the team as soon as possible.”

Palace’s dreadful start to the season cost Frank de Boer his job with former England manager Roy Hodgson succeeding the Dutchman.

Zaha believes De Boer should have been given more time to turn things around.

He added: “I slightly think he should have got a bit more time as it’s not easy to transition from how we used to play to the way we play now.

“But football is ruthless - if you’re not getting the results, you get fired.”