Patrick Vieira provides Crystal Palace injury update ahead of Tottenham clash

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira is hoping Nathan Ferguson will take part in training this week.

Vieira revealed after the 1-1 friendly draw with Botafogo that the former West Brom defender had suffered a setback in his return from injury.

Ferguson, 22, has only played eight minutes of professional football for the Eagles – in the 3-0 defeat at Spurs last season on Boxing Day – since signing in July 2020.

The Frenchman was speaking after Crystal Palace’s 2-0 win at Bournemouth on New Year’s Eve.

Palace host Antonio Conte’s Tottenham at Selhurst Park on Wednesday evening.

“Hopefully, Nathan will take part in training sessions with the team next week,” said Vieira.

James McArthur, 35, has yet to feature this season due to a hip injury.

“It’s still going to be [some] time with James,” added Vieira of when the Scottish midfielder could be back in contention.

Jean-Philippe Mateta came on for the final 16 minutes of Saturday’s 2-0 win at the Vitality Stadium, having missed out from the matchday squad against Fulham on Boxing Day.

“It was an injury,” said Vieira, who also confirmed Odsonne Edouard had been struggling with a hamstring injury.

“He [Mateta] had a couple of weeks by himself. He started training with the team.

“I was really pleased today because the players who came back from injuries, like Edouard as well, will be really important for us for the rest of the season.”