Marouane Chamakh will finally return to action for Crystal Palace this weekend after more than a month on the sidelines with injury.

Palace have only scored one goal in four games since Chamakh’s injury last month and the striker's return comes in time for the Eagles' crucial trip to fellow relegation-strugglers Cardiff City this weekend.

The Welsh club sit third from bottom of the Premier League, just two places and four points below Palace, so Chamakh’s fitness is welcomed ahead of the clash but Tony Pulis could not confirm he will start.

“Cham was training this week and he looks ready to go but whether he is starting or involved off the bench we will wait and see,” he said.

“He has been outstanding for us because he’s the player that gives us a little bit of something different but we’ll see – it is a decision I will make closer to the game.

“Cham is a player who has got tremendous technical ability but physically and with his experience he is very good for the group.”

Pulis admitted Palace will be riding high after their hard-fought 1-0 win against Chelsea last weekend but he also warned his players that Saturday’s trip to Cardiff could be even tougher.

“The belief has been there the whole time but it has definitely been enhanced by Saturday’s result,” added Pulis.

“There is a tremendous spirit within the group and that is probably our main strength.

“But we have to focus on the next game now which is going to be as difficult as Chelsea and most probably more difficult.

“We’re playing against a team that have got very, very good players, are playing in a stadium full of passionate supporters and it is going to be a very difficult game for us.”