Christian Benteke, Alexander Sorloth back in Crystal Palace contention

Roy Hodgson has been given a double injury boost ahead of Crystal Palace's huge showdown with rivals Brighton & Hove Albion as Christian Benteke and Alexander Sorloth are back in contention.

The Eagles boss had to go without a recognised striker for last week's 2-2 draw at Bournemouth, using Wilfried Zaha and Andros Townsend as his most advanced players.

Sorloth is back in training and Benteke has also stepped up his recovery in time to feature at Selhurst Park on Saturday afternoon, although Hodgson may yet stick with the unorthodox front two of Zaha and Townsend.

"Alexander Sorloth trained for the first time and got through the session well. Christian has made enormous progress," he told reporters at his pre-match presser. "[Benteke] joined in the initial part of the session before going back to the sports scientist people to check, but if he can train normally [on Friday] then he will be available.

"Andros and Wilf were good [at Bournemouth], but it's a nice problem to have. It's one thing we've not had in terms of a problem - a lot of players sitting behind me [on the bench]. Any cover we've had has been in defensive areas.

"We've been unbelievably limited and forced to get through games with the 11 or 12 who are the right ones to do the job, but now hopefully we'll have those guys back up front."

Hodgson also revealed that Jeffrey Schlupp is nearing a first-team return following his layoff with an ankle injury.