Crystal Palace pair James Tomkins and Loic Remy set to return for Liverpool trip

Return | James Tomkins will feature against Liverpool
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Reuters20 April 2017

Crystal Palace defender James Tomkins and striker Loic Remy are expected to feature in the club's Premier League trip to third-placed Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday, Sam Allardyce said on Thursday.

With on-loan Liverpool centre back Mamadou Sakho ineligible for the match, Allardyce was pleased to see Tomkins available as a defensive reinforcement after he recovered from a calf injury.

Midfielder James McArthur and full back Patrick van Aanholt could also return to the starting lineup at Anfield after coming on as second-half substitutes against Leicester City last weekend.

"Loic Remy and James Tomkins are back in the squad," Allardyce told reporters at a news conference. "Good to see with such a congested week coming along.

"Obviously Mama can't play, so it's important that James (Tomkins) is back. (James) McArthur's back and so is Patrick van Aanholt."

Remy has endured a stop-start season on loan from Chelsea, making only seven appearances because of injury, but he has recovered from a calf strain and will be back in contention for the first time since a late substitute's appearance in the 1-0 defeat at Stoke City in February.

With five victories in their last seven games, Palace have climbed up to 15th in the league and are seven points clear of the drop zone.

Allardyce has credited Sakho for playing a crucial role at the heart of Palace defence that has sparked their recent return to form.

The 62-year-old former England manager said he wanted Sakho to stay beyond his season-long loan deal at Selhurst Park if Palace avoid relegation.

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