Crystal Palace winger Eberechi Eze is destined to become an England international if he reproduces the fine form he displayed before his injury lay-off, according to journalist Tom Barclay.

Eze has been unable to feature at all this season after suffering a serious Achilles injury during a training session a matter of days before last term came to an end.

What's the latest news involving Eze?

Andros Townsend, who was on Palace's books at the time of the major blow but is now with Everton following his summer move, admitted Eze's team-mates were left in tears in the aftermath of the injury.

But having already been ahead of schedule in his recovery, Eze is now pushing to be back in contention for a place in the Eagles' squad as soon as this weekend.

Eze's return would come as a huge boost for Patrick Vieira, who has been unable to call upon the 23-year-old since he was appointed as Roy Hodgson's successor in July.

The winger moved to Selhurst Park from Championship side Queens Park Rangers in a deal worth £19.5million last year and quickly became a favourite among Eagles supporters.

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What has Tom Barclay said about Eze?

Barclay has high hopes for Eze as he nears his return from an extended spell on the sidelines.

Eze's injury was compounded by the news that he was set to be included as a member of England's provisional squad for Euro 2020, only for the training session incident to end those dreams.

The winger discovered he was part of Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate’s plans immediately after suffering the setback.

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But Barclay has backed Eze to work his way back into Southgate's thoughts if he shines upon his Selhurst Park return.

The journalist told GIVEMESPORT: "If he can get back to where he was and then keep on his progression, then we're probably talking about a future England international."

How had Eze performed before his injury?

Eze scored four goals and grabbed a further six assists in 36 appearances following his switch to Palace.

He had already displayed his cutting edge in the final third during his time on the books of Queens Park Rangers, where he found the back of the net 20 times and contributed 13 assists in 112 outings.

Eze has also represented England at under-21 level, notching a solitary goal in eight games, so he will now have his sights set on a maiden senior call-up.