Chris Hughton refused to reveal if he will fine Luciano Becchio for his public outburst over his treatment by the Canaries' manager since moving to Norwich City.

The Argentine striker was quoted in a national newspaper on Thursday criticising the lack of first team opportunities he has had to impress Hughton since arriving from Leeds in January 2013. Becchio has only started two Premier League games for the club and revealed he was 'mystified' at being snubbed by Hughton despite Gary Hooper and Ricky van Wolfswinkel both suffering injury problems in the early months of the new campaign.

Hughton confirmed at his pre-match Crystal Palace press conference on Thursday lunchtime he had made his feelings known to the player, but any sanctions will be kept being closed doors.

'I'm well aware of the article,' he said. 'I have spoken to Luciano and what he has done now is make everyone aware of the frustrations he feels. What he has to do is make those clear through the appropriate channels. I appreciate it is frustrating for him and he would like to have played more games than he has. I understand that. He wants to play and if he is not playing you want lads to be disappointed and working hard to get themselves into contention.

'What I said will remain between the two of us. In terms of discipline or fines that is a private matter. Will he be in the squad this weekend? Yes, he will. He is a very good lad but in this circumstance he needs to do things in the appropriate manner. He has to continue to work hard and we all know in this game you can be out of the reckoning, whether you feel that is right or wrong, and circumstances can change. We brought in three other strikers in the summer and that has made the competition tougher for him. He has fallen the wrong side of the decisions I have made but the fact we have kept him in the squad tells you the door is certainly not closed. We made a decision we wanted to keep him and that is why we have not allowed him to go out on loan, but I'm still very happy to have him here. My door is always open to him.'

Hughton disclosed club record signing van Wolfswinkel is expected to return to light training next week after his on-going toe injury problem curtailed his involvement in recent matches. Robert Snodgrass (knee) is poised to miss the next month and fellow midfielder Anthony Pilkington (hamstring) six weeks as City's injury problems continue to mount.

'Those two are the most frustrating ones because they are the same area of the pitch and have happened so soon after each other,' said Hughton. 'You prepare yourself for injuries as best you can but two players in the same position is a frustrating one. It is part and parcel of the game and it will give somebody else an opportunity. It is a problem all clubs have to deal with. What it does do is test the squad. You want competition. You realise you will go through bad periods on the injury-front. This is a tough one and it is a test for the entire squad. There is no point about getting down.'