The international break has eased Crystal Palace's injury problems ahead of the derby game with Wimbledon and by the end of October manager Trevor Francis will almost have a full squad at his disposal.

The two week break has allowed several players to recover from knocks, including Shaun Derry (nose), Tony Popovic (knee), Dougie Freedman (hamstring) and Andrew Johnson (knee).

Kit Symons is also training after a long-term groin injury and played in a kick around with the England Ladies side on Tuesday after the reserve fixture was called off on Monday.

Latvian keeper Alex Kolinko (groin) may return after completing the full 90 minutes in the 2-0 win against Poland.

But he was unable to kick and Nic Micholopoulos may deputise again.

Francis said: "Alex played on Saturday using the defenders to take goal kicks, so he is not 100 per cent fit. If he can't take goal kicks he won't play."

Curtis Fleming may miss the game against Wimbledon with a knee injury, having been ruled out for three weeks with an ankle knock.

Darren Powell is suspended after picking up five bookings but Wayne Routledge returns after a one-match ban.

Aki Riihilahti will play for Finland again tonight and Francis will assess his condition on Friday.

Jamie Smith has suffered a setback on his return from knee surgery and like keeper Matt Clarke, he will be out for at least two months.

But Ade Akinbiyi is back in training and should be ready to return in November.

October 16, 2002 12:00