Kagisho Dikgacoi is intent on getting himself 100% so he can help Crystal Palace move away from the Premier League relegation zone.
The 29-year old midfielder withdrew from South Africa's international friendly with Brazil in Johannesburg on Wednesday, which A Selecao won 5-0, because of back issues.
Dikgacoi admitted he was not right to represent his country and is now determined to get himself back for the Eagles' run-in.
"I've been struggling with my back, so I had a chat with the physio and he advised me not to travel so I don't aggravate the injury," Dikgacoi told Palace Player.
"It's best for me to stay behind, get treatment and hopefully be fit for Saturday."
He added: "I've never seen the Premier League this tight, especially at this time of the season.
"We still have got a long way to go, but we just have to go out there and enjoy our football, get points and help the team to not go down.
"Especially in home games it is important that we get points."
Palace sit 16th on the table, three points above the drop zone, ahead of this weekend's home fixture with Southampton.
