Eberechi Eze is nearing a return to action but Crystal Palace are monitoring the winger's comeback carefully, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

When is Eze likely to return from injury? 

Eze has been on the sidelines since May after suffering a serious Achilles injury during a training session.

It came as a huge blow to the 23-year-old after grabbing four goals and six assists during a promising first Premier League season.

Former Palace winger Andros Townsend, who joined Everton during the summer transfer window, admitted Eze's team-mates were in tears after the winger ruptured his Achilles.

But Eze has recovered from the injury quicker than expected and reports suggest he could be back in action within a month after training alone during the international break.

Eze's return will come as a huge boost to Patrick Vieira, who took charge of the Eagles in July and will see his side take on Arsenal tomorrow.

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What has Tom Barclay said about Eze?

Barclay has confirmed Eze will be stepping up his return to contention imminently.

However, he has warned Palace fans not to expect Vieira to include the winger in his starting line-up straightaway.

The journalist insists the Eagles will have to be careful and monitor Eze's progress away from Selhurst Park before thrusting him into the first-team picture again.

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Barclay told GIVEMESPORT: "It's just a matter of how long they take over managing the comeback and how long it is before they really feel like he's ready to come back in."

Why would Eze's return come as a huge boost to Palace?

The Eagles spent £19.5million to prise Eze away from Championship side Queens Park Rangers last year.

During his time at Loftus Road, Eze scored 20 goals and provided a further 13 assists in 112 appearances.

He has taken that form to Selhurst Park, with the eight-cap England under-21 international featuring 36 times for his new employers before his progress was curtailed by injury.

Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, via MailOnline, heaped praise on Eze during the early months of his Palace career and Roy Hodgson also hailed the winger while he was in charge of the Eagles.

Without the pace and creativity of Eze in the side, Palace have failed to find the back of the net on four occasions during the early stages of Vieira's reign.