Crosby cleared to make comeback on Monday
Sydney Crosby of Canada eyes the puck before a drop during their men's ice hockey play-offs quarterfinals at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics February 24, 2010. Reuters

Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby has been cleared to make his long-awaited return to the National Hockey League Monday.

The Penguins said Sunday that Crosby had been selected in the lineup to face the New York Islanders, marking his first appearance since January 5.

The 24-year-old, the league's biggest drawing card, has not played since absorbing two hits to the head in successive games within a week and experiencing post-concussion symptoms.

He was cleared last month to resume full contact after struggling with headaches all year but his return to competition had continued to be delayed.

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