Andy Hughes could miss Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace after picking up a hamstring injury at the weekend. The midfielder lasted just 34 minutes of the 2-0 victory over Derby before being replaced by Carl Robinson - and his chances of making a swift return are firmly in the balance.

Norwich City skipper Andy Hughes could miss Saturday's clash with Crystal Palace after picking up a hamstring injury at the weekend.

The midfielder lasted just 34 minutes of the 2-0 victory over Derby before being replaced by Carl Robinson - and his chances of making a swift return are firmly in the balance.

“We'll just let everything settle down and see where he's at come the middle of the week,” said manager Nigel Worthington. “At the moment I'd say his chances of playing at Selhurst Park are 50/50.”

Robinson looks the obvious alternative in midfield should Hughes fail to make it while Dickson Etuhu is also waiting in the wings after finding himself on the sidelines since City's 2-1 home defeat against Ipswich.

The former Preston man failed to make the bench against Derby because of illness, but he is now on mend and Worthington expects him to be available at the weekend.

“Dickson had a virus over the weekend and it was still in his system on Monday so that is why he wasn't involved in the reserves but he should be fine for Saturday,” said the City boss.

Worthington is only likely to change a winning team if Hughes fails to make it, but Leon McKenzie continues to give him something to think about. The City striker stepped up his comeback from injury by scoring one goal and making another in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea Reserves on Monday night and will be hoping for another taste of action at Palace, his first professional club.

“Leon came through the reserve game with any problems and did very well,” said Worthington. “As always he worked hard for the team and I am just delighted to see him fit. Hopefully he'll stay fit now and will be available to us for the rest of the season.”