Crystal Palace striker Christian Benteke has returned to training after recovering from a serious knee injury.

The Belgium international damaged ligaments in the Eagles’ 5-0 defeat to Manchester City in September.

In his absence, Palace have been playing without a recognised striker with wingers Bakary Sako and Wilfried Zaha deputising.

But Benteke’s return will come as a huge boost to a Palace side who are bottom of the Premier League.

The former Liverpool man joined his team-mates in training on Monday and could be in contention for their game against relegation rivals Everton on November 18.

Palace have scored just four league goals this season and Benteke, who netted 17 times for the club last term, could solve their lack of attacking threat.