Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has, on Thursday, provided updates on the fitness of a pair of key members of his squad.
The players in question? Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise.
For those not aware, Eagles wide-men Zaha and Olise both picked up injury problems amid their efforts on international duty this week, with the Ivory Coast and France U21s respectively.
Vieira, though, has confirmed that neither have yet been definitively ruled out of his side’s upcoming meeting with Arsenal.
Speaking in a press conference this afternoon, the French tactician explained:
“He [Zaha] is still in the medical room. We will see how it is going to be tomorrow, but we have to wait for the next couple of days before thinking about him starting training with the squad.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 27: Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace celebrates with Conor Gallagher after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion at Selhurst Park on September 27, 2021 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
When pressed on the wellbeing of fellow winger Olise, in the midst of a fine recent spell of form, Vieira continued:
“He just had an issue with his foot.
“He is still in the treatment room as well. He is not ready to do some work outside.
“We have to wait day after day and see how he is feeling, and then we will see.
“Both of them still have a chance [of playing against Arsenal].”
“Both of them still have a chance.”
Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira confirms that Wilfried Zaha and Michael Olise have not yet been ruled out of facing Arsenal pic.twitter.com/9O5t3LbCx9
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) March 31, 2022
Saka boost
Turning attentions towards Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal squad, the Gunners too have doubts over the availability of a number of key performers ahead of Monday’s Selhurst Park clash.
Bukayo Saka, after being forced to depart the England squad prematurely owing to a positive test for Covid-19, is expected to be fit and ready to feature from the off.
The participation of both shot-stopper Aaron Ramsdale and defender Takehiro Tomiyasu appears more up in the air, however, as the pair work their way back towards full fitness on the back of respective spells on the sidelines.
Arsenal hopeful Saka will be back for Crystal Palace, but less optimistic about Ramsdale.
Still time before Monday, though, and pair will be assessed in coming days.
Tomiyasu could return, but club being cautious still.https://t.co/NPsRou3NgQ
— Simon Collings (@sr_collings) March 31, 2022
