Crystal Palace injury update ahead of Chelsea: Patrick Vieira confirms double boost and hints team selection

Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira says he is hoping to have both Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise fit for the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Sunday.

Palace have sold almost 30,000 tickets for the trip to Wembley, their first since the final defeat to Manchester United in 2016, and the availability of the influential duo will be key to the team’s success.

Tyrick Mitchell was withdrawn from the 2-1 defeat to Leicester City as precaution and having failed to train up until Thursday.

It will really be a massive lift to have the England international for what is considered the biggest game of the season so far.

The left back has benefited from a fresh start under Vieira, and has one of the best players for tackles and interceptions in the Premier League this season.

His form has been rewarded with his first England cap, and there have been talks that if Ben Chilwell does not recover in time, he could be in with a chance to get into the England team for the World Cup.

For Olise, it’s been a very frustrating last few weeks as a slow injury has halted his blistering start to life in South London.

He was flying before travelling to France to play for the French U21 team, but returned mid way through the international break due to a foot injury and has not been involved in the last few games due to the pain.

His silky skill and awareness will be handy, although it is unknown whether he will come straight back into the first team or given a few minutes to work his way back into full fitness.

What Patrick Vieira said about the state of injured players

The Palace boss was very lively throughout his press conferences and lit up the room with the news that he was hoping to have his two key players.

Both have been back on the grass using the ball, even if they’ve trained separately from the main group.

He said: “We had Tyrick [Mitchell] and Michael [Olise] who trained individually yesterday and a bit more today, but we have to wait tomorrow to see if they have no reaction, but if they are not fit they will not play.”

Crystal Palace will also be without Conor Gallagher due to his loan agreement with his parent club Chelsea, but Vieira says his disappointment is that for the player.

“Yes we are disappointed, but the disappointment is more with Conor,” he explained.

“But we know the agreement and we have to live with it.”