Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah _(Image: Keith Gillard)_
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Crystal Palace are hopeful that Eddie Nketiah will be ready to return to action at the beginning of October, the News Shopper understands.
The 26-year-old missed the majority of pre-season, first with a minor problem before picking up a hamstring injury.
Early assessments suggested he would be out for around eight weeks, with a further three to four weeks needed to regain match sharpness.
However, Nketiah has already returned to light training, raising hopes that he could be available at the start of October.
Nketiah joined Palace for £25 million from Arsenal last season as an understudy to Jean-Philippe Mateta.
He featured 37 times in all competitions last season, totalling 1,417 minutes, scoring seven goals and providing three assists.
With Nketiah’s return being ahead of schedule, Palace may opt not to sign a back-up striker in the final two days of the transfer window.
His progress may also influence Palace’s approach to the final days of the transfer window.
The club had considered a loan move for Wolves forward Hwang Hee-chan, but talks have cooled despite initial interest from the player.
Unless Odsonne Edouard departs before the deadline, Palace are unlikely to move for another striker.