Update on Wilfried Zaha and Arsenal loanee available for selection – Patrick Vieira provides Crystal Palace injury news before Manchester United trip
Patrick Vieira has confirmed new Crystal Palace signings Albert Sambi Lokonga and Naouirou Ahamada will be in the squad for tomorrow’s trip to Manchester United.
The Palace boss also confirmed that Joachim Andersen and Wilfried Zaha will not be available for selection.
Palace bolstered Patrick Vieira’s midfield options on transfer deadline day by signing Stuttgart midfielder Naouirou Ahamada on a permanent deal.
The Eagles also swooped for Albert Sambi Lokonga – bringing the Arsenal midfielder in on loan for the rest of the season.
“I’m really pleased with the two players that we managed to bring,” said the French World Cup winner.
“It’s a different profile to what we have, and that will give me a different option in the games. Both of them will be in the squad tomorrow.”
Zaha suffered a hamstring injury in the draw with the Magpies.
Picture : Keith Gillard
“He is still on the treatment table,” Vieira confirmed of the 30-year-old.
“Obviously his injury will take him a couple of weeks, so we have to do without him.
“Wilfried is someone who recovers quite quickly, but we don’t want to put a date on his injury.
“We are just going to let him work with the medical staff and try to get him back as soon as possible.
Danish defender Andersen picked up a calf injury in the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea and missed the 1-1 draw with Manchester United at Selhurst Park and the 0-0 draw with Newcastle.
“He is progressing slowly but not ready for the game tomorrow,” added Vieira.
James McArthur and Nathan Ferguson have also returned to training.
“They are progressing really well,” said Vieira of the duo who have yet to feature this season.
“They trained with the first team for the last couple of weeks, so they are in a really good position.
“It is too short for them to be involved in the first team at the minute. There is a protocol in place that is important for us to follow, but they are doing well.”
MAIN PICTURE: CPFC
ZAHA PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD
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