Star midfielder returns: Five things spotted at Crystal Palace training ground before Millwall FA Cup clash

Crystal Palace have returned to training in preparation for their third round FA Cup clash against south London rivals Millwall this weekend.

The Eagles have lost some players to the Africa Cup of Nations and have had others missing through Covid and injuries.

Patrick Vieira himself has had his share of Covid-19, but did return to the touchline in the 3-2 defeat against West Ham.

LondonWorld has the inside story from the Eagles’ training on Thursday, and bring you everything we spotted at Palace’s Beckenham training base.

Conor Gallagher returned to training

Conor Gallagher missed the last two games, with reports that he had tested positive to Covid and was isolating.

But the star midfielder is back in training this week ahead of the trip to Millwall.

The Chelsea loanee’s return will be music to ears of Palace fans who have taken to him due to his impressive performances.

The 21 year-old is one of the best midfielders in the league and he was sorely missed in games against Norwich and West Ham.

More youngsters involved

Jesurun Rak-Sakyi and five other players from the Under-23 team were promoted to the first-team training, to help make up the numbers and fight for positions ahead of the FA Cup weekend.

Austrian youngster Jay Rich-Baghuelou, James Taylor, Scott Banks and Malachi Boateng were all involved in the session before they split into two groups.

Ayew, Kouyate and Zaha absent

The trio of Jordan Ayew, Wilfried Zaha and Cheikhou Kouyaté were all absent from training on Thursday, as they are off to the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Ayew has already linked up with Ghana’s team in Qatar, while Zaha and Kouyate will be hoping to join in later in the week when their isolation periods are over.

James McArthur still working in the gym

James McArthur has not played for Palace since November, and is not expected to play a part against Millwall.

The midfielder when fit is a starter for Patrick Vieira, but a hamstring tendon injury has slowed a bright start to the season.

Even though he was seen at the training ground on Thursday, he spent all his time in the gym.

Vieira is expected to speak to the media later on today, and will give an update on how the midfielder is progressing.

Temporary Covid testing centre at Beckenham training ground

The Crystal Palace training ground has had a very creative Covid testing centre installed.

Players go straight from the testing centre, and head back to their cars to wait for the results.

Once they get the all clear they head straight to the changing room to get ready for the day’s training.

A week ago, a winger arrived ready for training, but when his result came back positive he was sent straight home.