Patrick Vieira has provided a fresh injury update on Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise ahead of Crystal Palace's FA Cup semi-final clash against Chelsea on Sunday at Wembley.
Eagles fans were sweating on whether the duo would be available for the match, with Mitchell forced off with a calf problem during Palace's last game against Leicester while Olise has been out for two weeks with a foot injury. Vieira confirmed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that the pair had returned to individual training but warned he would not risk their involvement unless they were fully fit.
He said: "We have Tyrick and Michael, who have had some training on the field individually yesterday and a little more today. Of course, then we have to wait until tomorrow to see any reaction but they will only get involved in the game if they are 100 per cent fit.”
READ MORE: How Crystal Palace could line up for Chelsea FA Cup semi-final with Vieira's Ebere Eze decision
Palace know they will be without midfielder Conor Gallagher for the match against Chelsea, with the Blues turning down a request from the Eagles last week that would have given the 22-year-old special dispensation to play against his parent club. Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed in his pre-match press conference on Friday that he'd apologised to Gallagher following a chance meeting between the two recently.
"There is a frustration for me but more for Conor because he played every single round [of the FA Cup]," added Vieira. "He’s been doing really well and not having the opportunity to be on the field and have this kind of experience is something that he will miss. But we knew what was going on and we knew playing Chelsea would be something that Conor wasn’t going to take part in and missing Conor will give an opportunity to another player to step in and do well for the team."
Gallagher's close friend and teammate Marc Guehi was also speaking ahead of the Chelsea match and said the Crystal Palace team were disappointed they wouldn't have the midfielder available after the strong season he's had for them. Gallagher has scored eight goals from midfield and been one of the most consistent performers in Vieira's side as they've reached the last four of the FA Cup and remain in the hunt for a top-half Premier League finish for just the second time in a decade.
"It’s hard for him," said Guehi. "He wants to play in this game and he’s been a massive factor for us moving forward in this competition. But he’s been good throughout the week getting behind the team and supporting the lads. We’re disappointed not to have him but he’s been good for us."
