Crystal Palace defender Pape Souare declares himself match fit exactly one-year after breaking his leg and jaw in a horrific car crash
Senegal international's road to recovery has been long but he is ready to bolster the Eagles' survival bid
CRYSTAL PALACE defender Pape Souare has declared himself fit exactly one year after breaking his leg and jaw in a horror car crash.
The 27-year-old feared his career was over when he smashed his Mercedes to pieces whilst driving on the M4.
Souare had to be cut out of his car after suffering serious injuries to his thigh and jaw.
He later admitted he couldn't eat for a month and it wasn't until January that Souare was able to regain some fitness by going for his first run.
But it appears he is ready to help stop the rot at Palace with his latest tweet.
He wrote: "1 year today I was in a life changing accident that could have ended my career, today I am officially match fit! All praise to God."
The Senegalese international joined the club in February 2015 and was an integral figure under Alan Pardew until the accident.
But he is closing in on a return to first team action having played 45 minutes for Palace's Under-23s at the end of August - his first match since his injury.
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A week later he featured for 70 minutes in another Under-23 clash and will now have his eyes on a return to Premier League football.
Palace are set to appoint former England boss Roy Hodgson on a two-year deal following the sacking of Frank De Boer.
Club chairman Steve Parish wanted to bring Sam Allardyce back to Selhurst Park but he rejected any hopes of a reunion.
Palace are rock bottom of the league having lost each of their first four league matches and have failed to hit the net.