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Roberto Martinez has admitted, however, that he will not rush Monk back into action if he is not fully fit. In an interview with Wales Online, Martinez said: "Garry is about 50-50 for Saturday which is good news that he is recovering well. He has worked well in two training sessions with no reaction and we are pleased with his progress. But when you have a back injury as a footballer you have to be extra careful and we mustn't rush him back. It's vital he only returns when he is ready because we want him fit for the rest of the season."
Fedde Bessone has recovered from his calf injury and is available for selection. If Monk isn't available, Albert Serran is expected to keep his place in the Swans line-up. Apart from Monk, Ferrie Bodde and Marcos Painter are the only two Swansea players who are unavailable and on the treatment table.
Jason Scotland reached the 50 goal mark for the Swans against Plymouth last Tuesday night and is aiming to get the Golden Boot award for the Championship this season. Scotland currently sits in second place in the top scorers list, five behind Wolves' Sylvan Ebanks-Blake. "I suppose 50 goals in a season-and-a-bit is a remarkable achievement for anyone," Scotland told South Wales Echo. "I've actually surprised myself a bit. Hopefully I can push on and get a couple more this season as well." The 30-year-old added: "I always keep an eye on the goal-scoring charts. I'm five behind Sylvan Ebanks-Blake, but I'm watching him! There are nine more games to go, and you never know in football. That is my aim in particular - to win another Golden Boot."
This is the first time the Swans have played Palace at home in the league since season 1983/84, when the Swans beat the Eagles 1-0 in a Second Division match at Vetch Field. Neil Warnock has several injury worries in defence for the game against Swansea and will be without defenders Matt Lawrence and Paddy McCarthy. On-loan Derby defender Claude Davis will therefore keep his place at the back alongside Jose Fonte.
UP THE SWANS