Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira confirms huge injury boost ahead of crucial FA Cup game against Everton

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has confirmed three key players are back in the side for the FA Cup quarter final this weekend.

Joel Ward has returned as well as captain Luka Milivojevic and Will Hughes, who all missed the game against Manchester City on Monday night.

The Eagles are looking to reach the last four of this year’s FA Cup for the first since the 2015-16, and standing in their way is Frank Lampard and his Everton side.

Both Vieira and Lampard, considered as two of the best midfielders in Premier League history, will look to establish their rivalry on the touchline on Sunday.

Everton will arrive at Selhurst Park invigorated by their massive win against Newcastle on Thursday, playing with just 10 men in the closing stages.

For Palace, it’s a chance to add more layers on what has been a promising season under Patrick Vieira.

The south London side have been boosted with the return of key players who missed the impressive 0-0 against Manchester City game.

Captained Milivojevic, midfielder Hughes and the ever-reliable Martin Kelly all missed Monday’s game but have returned to training, as well as Joel Ward who has been away for a while.

Vieira said: “Joel Ward who has been out for a while has joined the team ahead of the game so it’s just Macca [James McArthur] and Nathan [Ferguson] who are not training.”

Crystal Palace have suffered just one defeat in their last nine games in all competitions, and go into the FA Cup quarter final against Everton as favourites.

Asked how their current form will influence the game, Vieira said his team has merited their recent form and will continue to improve without getting carried away.

He said: “We have such a good atmosphere here and we got that because we continue to work hard and we try as much as possible not to get carried away when things are good, because we know how hard it is to play in the Premier League and competition in England.

“We have a good chance but of course we are playing at home and our fans will help and push us, but we all have the same chances and we need to work toward it and get the desired results.”