Gouffran is nearing a return from his leg injury ahead of this weekend's clash with Crystal Palace, The Shields Gazette reports.

Gouffran has not played since exiting last month's match versus Stoke with a muscle problem, but he could be back in the squad as Newcastle fights relegation over the coming weeks. He has been given little run this season, so it remains to be seen what his role will be upon returning.

Gouffran came on for Remy Cabella in the 72nd minute and scored six minutes later during Newcastle's 3-0 win over Hull City on Saturday. The goal was Gouffran's second in as many games after netting against Southampton on Jan. 17.

Gouffran has been very active of late, and if he can continue to get consistent starts, he makes for a nice flier in many fantasy formats, while trying to take the scoring pressure off Papiss Cisse and Ayoze Perez.

Gouffran was able to shake an illness picked up last week and played 68 minutes of Newcastle's 0-1 loss to Stoke on Monday.

Gouffran wasn't able to make much noise in the match, and was eventually replaced by Gabriel Obertan. Gouffran may be at risk of loosing playing time once youngster Rolando Aarons returns from a hamstring injury.

Gouffran was subbed off for youngster Rolando Aarons in the 67th minute of Newcastle's 3-3 draw with Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Gouffran was subbed off, when Newcastle were down 1-2, for a fresh set of legs in Aarons. The 28-year-old could be at risk of loosing playing time if he continues to disappoint in the final third, and Aarons puts together more good performances. The French winger has pace and can get himself into decent positions, but doesn't finish often enough to be anything but a bench option in fantasy.

Gouffran played 74 minutes of Newcastle's 0-2 loss to Manchester City on Sunday.

Gouffran was in question for the match due to a knee injury sustained in the preseason, but was able to start in manager Alan Pardew's new look squad. The pacey winger only managed one shot with 45 touches on the ball before being subbed off for youngster Rolando Aarons in the 74th minute. Gouffran, who scored six goals with three assists last season, is often a bit underrated but can serve as a decent low end fantasy option.

Gouffran (knee) will be assessed before Sunday's match with Manchester City, Chronicle Live reports.

While it's possible that Gouffran won't be able to play Sunday, this injury seems like a minor one and won't likely affect his status in the long term.

Gouffran (knock) could return for Newcastle's clash with Chelsea this Saturday, the Shields Gazette reports.

Gouffran has been struggling with an injury the last couple weeks and is still questionable for the big match at Stamford Bridge this weekend. With Loic Remy suspended, Newcastle will be hurting for attacking options this weekend, so Gouffran would be a huge boost should he be fit.