Marouane Chamakh will be like a brand new player when he returns for Crystal Palace.

The Moroccan striker has appeared just once in the Premier League this season because of hamstring injuries but is expected back in Monday night's clash with Everton at Goodison Park.

Eagles boss Alan Pardew is excited to see the former Arsenal man back in action and feels he will be an integral part of the Palace setup, especially with the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Bakary Sako currently unavailable.

"We have Chamakh, who'll be a new signing for us. He is still really in his pre-season," said Pardew.

"This is a very important player for this club, and we've not played him at all this year, so that's an addition in itself.

"His strength in his hamstring is way better than it has ever been, so we feel comfortable that he can come back now. If we don't sign anyone [in the January transfer window] we'd have gained a player, so that's good."