Cabaye: Zaha key to Palace's fortunes

The former Manchester United man missed nine weeks of action after sustaining a knee injury on the first day of the season against Huddersfield, something which Cabaye believes had a huge impact on Palace's awful start ot the season.

'The Eagles' were left rooted to the bottom of the table after a dismal start to the new campaign but their performances have picked up in recent weeks.

That improvement has coincided with Zaha's return to the side, with the winger scoring twice in four games since his return to fitness and Cabaye believes that the 25-year-old's creativity is key for the Londoners.

"Wilf is very important for us and for the club," the French international told 'Sky Sports'.

"He can do some things [on the pitch] that only he knows how to do. It is important to have that kind of player in the squad.

"We missed him, and also Christian [Benteke], when he was injured and then since he's back he's showed everyone what he can do on the pitch.

"Hopefully he will be in a good way after last week and the game for Ivory Coast and hopefully he will play well on Saturday [against Everton]."