Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur will not face surgery and could be back before the season’s end, says boss Alan Pardew.

The Scottish international suffered ankle ligament damage in the Eagle’s 2-1 defeat against Bournemouth last month.

It was feared he would go under the knife, with the former Wigan Athletic man tweeting: “Looks like season is over for me with ankle ligaments torn. Just another challenge in my career to make sure I work hard and come back stronger.”

However, Pardew has revealed that the news is not as bad as first feared.

He said: “It is always a boost for a pro player not to have surgery. The surgeon is quite happy that it will heal itself.

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“James could be back before the end of the season.”

More immediate is the possible return to action of Dwight Gayle for this weekend’s visit of Watford.

He joins Connor Wickham, back from a ban, to fight for a place up front against Emanuel Adebayor, who made his first start in the draw at Swansea City.

Pardew said: “We've lost key players in one area really. Our offensive area was wiped out. We've strengthened with Ade and now players are returning.

“Gayle is hopefully available, he's trained this week. Connor returns after his ban. So it's a little bit better.”

He added: “Bolasie and Sako should be back next week. They're both running, but not back with the group yet.”