Roy Hodgson announced news that Palace fans would’ve been hoping for ahead of their trip to Old Trafford this weekend.

Injuries worries over key players Wilfriend Zaha, James Tomkins and Mamadou Sakho had looked to have dashed Palace's hopes against Manchester United, but Hodgson has confirmed all three are available.

"The team news is pretty much positive,” said Hodgson.

"Players who played internationally over the past week are okay.

“Mamadou Sakho is fit so it's a positive on that front. We have everyone available who I was expecting to be available.

“Zaha is over the injury and has been training all week, it's the same with James Tomkins. They were both out for a time due to knocks but both have recovered."

Return of the talisman

Fans will be pleased to see Zaha return after missing the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham with a hamstring injury picked up in the defeat at Chelsea the previous weekend.

The international break seems to have given the Ivorian time to heal as he took part in full-training on Thursday showing no ill-effects of the injury.

Tomkins was also seen in training and should be available for selection after hobbling off against Tottenham after a clash of knees with Lucas Moura.

Sakho was deemed fit following a scare after leaving the field with a back injury last Saturday for France on his return to les bleus.

Read: Are Palace's summer signing up to scratch?

There was further god news as long-term absentees look to be making their way back to first-team action. The timing of their return has come at a perfect time for Hodgson as the January window approaches.

“Connor Wickham took part in his first training session today which is a positive.

“Christian Benteke is making exceptionally good progress, the medical staff are very happy with the way he’s applying himself and how hard he's working to come back as soon as possible.

“Scott Dann we think will be back with us on Monday."