Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur is hopeful he can make a return to action in time for the Eagles' FA Cup semi-final showdown with Watford at Wembley on April 24.

McArthur damaged ankle ligaments in Palace's 2-1 loss to Bournemouth at Selhurst Park on February 2 but is eager to return as soon as possible to help Alan Pardew's struggling side.

"It's a slow injury and it's taken its time to heal but the target is for me to be back in three weeks," McArthur told the club's official website.

"I think it's going to be tight, we're trying to push it as much as we can but it's got to be controlled as well."