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Crystal Palace's Ruben Loftus-Cheek a doubt to face Everton with back spasm

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Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson says Ruben Loftus-Cheek will remain grounded, despite making his England debut against Germany

Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks set to miss Crystal Palace's clash with Everton on Saturday with a back injury suffered while playing for England.

The midfielder had to come off in the first-half during England's goalless draw with Brazil on Tuesday with what Gareth Southgate described as a "periodic back issue".

Palace boss Roy Hodgson confirmed that Loftus-Cheek had missed training on Thursday but remained positive that the injury could pass in time for the Everton match.

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 05:  Ruben Loftus-Cheek of Crystal Palace gets past Thino Kehrer of Schalke during a Pre Season Friendly between Crystal Palace an
Image: Ruben Loftus-Cheek missed training on Thursday with a back spasm

"He [Loftus-Cheek] didn't train today, but it's a back spasm so there's hope that that will get better and maybe even pass," said Hodgson. "We won't know that until tomorrow and maybe even Saturday."

Loftus-Cheek impressed on his senior debut for the national team against Germany last week and Hodgson is confident that the attention won't affect the Chelsea loanee.

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 14: Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England and Gareth Southgate Manager of England shake hands after he is subbed during the internationa
Image: Loftus-Cheek was taken off after 35 minutes for England against Brazil

"I think he's a quality player," Hodgson said. "I think it was good that he got the opportunity and that he took that opportunity. When a young player comes into the team and does well, they sometimes get praised to the sky.

"We're very good at praising people to the sky and then knocking them down very quickly afterwards. I hope that won't affect him. I don't think it will, he's a very composed and sensible young man.

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"He knows he played well but he also knows that there's a lot of work to do before he can really call himself a top-class international player."

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The 21-year-old is tipped to have a bright future and Chelsea winger Willian has urged Loftus-Cheek to cut short his loan to Crystal Palace and make a return to Stamford Bridge.

Hodgson, though, is adamant that the England international will see out his loan spell at Palace.

"I'm not 100 per cent certain what the clause is," he said. "I think there probably is one but I believe it's a clause that protects Chelsea that if we're not playing him they can bring him back. I believe that if he's playing and is involved with us there is no break clause."

Meanwhile, Christian Benteke is likely to make a return to the Palace line-up as he continues to recover from a ligament injury.

Crystal Palace's Zaire-born Belgian striker Christian Benteke (2L) picks up an injury during the English Premier League football match between Manchester C
Image: Christian Benteke could make his return from a ligament injury against Everton on Saturday

"Benteke has trained all week, which is very positive," said Hodgson. "We're hoping he'll play a big part going forward for us but don't forget he hasn't played for seven weeks.

"I don't think it'll be a risk playing him. He's had three good training sessions. He's worked very hard to make certain that he's 100 per cent ready so I don't have any fears for him."

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