Crystal Palace team news ahead of Fulham clash

Patrick Vieira will be without Marc Guehi for Monday’s Boxing Day clash against Fulham.

Guehi, who picked up his fifth yellow card of the season against Nottingham Forest, is suspended.

Sam Johnstone did not play a minute during the winter break but travelled to Turkey.

Nathan Ferguson and James McArthur – who have both missed the season so far – suffered setbacks with their returns from injury.

Jack Butland and Chris Richards both played during the winter warm-up games.

“The injuries are the same,” said Vieira.

“We have Macca [James McArthur], who is still progressing on his individual work. 

“Nathan [Ferguson] is getting really close. In the new year, he’ll be starting training with the team.

Jordan Ayew and Joachim Andersen only recently returned to training after international duty with Ghana and Denmark at the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

“[Jordan Ayew and Joachim Andersen] are good. After they went out of the World Cup, they had a couple of days and have been back in training since. They’re really good mentally and physically, and are ready to go again.”

The Eagles played Botafogo, Trabzonspor, Napoli and Real Valladolid during the pre-season break.

“It’s important to try and keep the tempo and the rhythm of the Premier League,” said Vieira of Palace’s winter break plans.

“The first couple of weeks, the players were off. We had a really good trip in Turkey. The players are working hard and working well.

“The players are ready to go.”