Connor Wickham has a great season laying ahead of him, if he can stay fit, according to Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew.

The 23-year-old striker has struggled to hold down a first team place this season because of injury - he has made only 18 appearances, scoring five goals.

However, Pardew says he will get some game time this weekend at Arsenal, and next season could be his season.

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He added: “Connor has some great strikers in front of him [for England] and he hasn't had a run of games. It's been stop-start because of injury.

“If he can keep fit next season he could be great. He's shown the capabilities to be a great player.

“Connor's had some terrific games for us, just not enough of them.”

While Wickham is in line to make an appearance at the Emirates, Dwight Gayle is out and Pardew is sweating over Wilfried Zaha’s fitness.

Emmanuel Adebayor could feature against his former club, while James McArthur could return to for the trip to Manchester United on Wednesday.

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