Monk Set For Late Fitness Test

Skipper Garry Monk will have another late fitness test to see if he's available to play tomorrow when Crystal Palace visit the Liberty Stadium.

He's been out for the last few games with a back injury and was also rated 50-50 to make a return on Tuesday at home to Plymouth Argyle.

Monk returned too early against Charlton last month, and had to replaced in the first half. Martinez is unlikely to do that again and his best chances tomorrow are probably to make the bench.

Martinez said the club captain can't wait to get out there playing again:

"Garry is desperate to get back playing,''

"He has trained twice this week with no reaction, so we will have to see how he is in the morning.

"He's a very influential character, on and off the pitch, but the back is always a tricky injury to treat.

"We'll have to be careful because when he does come back, we want him back for the rest of the season and not just one game.

"He's pushing himself to be involved, but I'd have to say that at the moment he is still 50/50.

"Albert (Serran) has done really well in the heart of the defence in his absence though, so I'm very happy with my options.''

Mark Gower also missed Tuesday with a back injury but is expected to return this weekend.

Fede Bessone is also available again after recovering from a injury he picked up in a Reserves game.

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