Hennessey could return as Palace host Cardiff

Crystal Palace are expected to welcome back goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey and midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate for the Boxing Day visit of Cardiff.

Full-back Martin Kelly is doubtful with an adductor injury but has not yet been ruled out by manager Roy Hodgson and will be assessed.

Striker Christian Benteke remains on the sidelines with a knee problem but is making encouraging progress and could return in the coming weeks.

Joe Bennett could be back in the mix for Cardiff.

The full-back missed Saturday’s 5-1 home defeat against Manchester United after being forced off at Watford the previous weekend, but Cardiff boss Neil Warnock says that he has returned to training.

Danny Ward is out, though, while Jazz Richards has been battling to overcome a hamstring problem.