Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says Wilfried Zaha is well ahead of schedule in his recovery from a knee injury.

Zaha has been out since suffering the problem against Newcastle at the start of last month, but the speed of his recovery has been labelled "remarkable" by his manager.

Hodgson, speaking at a press conference ahead of his struggling side's trip to Chelsea on Saturday, said: "Wilf's had a ball at his feet for a while, training solo with the rehab people and the physios. He joined in with the team today in an albeit modified session. He's well ahead of schedule, but it was a serious injury.

"It's a remarkable recovery. It will be a case of discussing with him, the doctor and the physios regarding when he's ready to come back. It's a major positive.

"All teams rely upon their decisive players, their MVPs. So when you have a player out for anything length of time there's always a risk you'll push for him to come back earlier than he should. That's the balance I've got to get right."