Palace boss Patrick Vieira provides injury update on Wilfried Zaha and key defensive duo ahead of Brighton
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira has confirmed that Wilfried Zaha, Joachim Andersen and Joel Ward will not be available for tomorrow’s clash against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Zaha, who is Palace’s top goalscorer and appearance holder in the club’s Premier League history, missed the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last weekend due to a hamstring injury.
The Ivorian picked up the problem in the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United and had to be replaced during the second half.
The 30-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is yet to inform the Eagles of his plans.
Zaha has scored eight goals in 14 appearances against Brighton.
Roberto Di Zerbi’s side are sixth in the Premier League and are unbeaten in their last five outings in all competitions.
Palace are yet to win in the league in 2023.
“He’s progressing well,” said Vieira of Zaha, who he confirmed will miss the game.
“He started training a couple of days ago on the field. But, again, Wilfried is somebody who recovers quickly, but for the game, it will be too soon.”
The initial fear was that Zaha would miss the whole of February and could be out for six weeks.
When asked if that was still the case, Vieira said: “I hope not.
“Wilfried is an important player for us. He’s progressing well, but we’re not going to take any risk.”
Andersen has missed the last three outings with a calf injury he picked up in the 1-0 defeat at Chelsea.
Picture : Keith Gillard
“He should start training with the team next week,” said Vieira of the Danish centre-back.
Joel Ward missed the 2-1 defeat at Manchester United last time out.
Vieira confirmed the defender was injured, adding: “It’s his calf.
“He has started working on the field and he will be a couple of weeks.”
PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD
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