Zaha, McArthur and Olise: Crystal Palace injury updates ahead of Arsenal

Crystal Palace have been back at their training base in Beckenham, but Patrick Vieira is having to think about his squad carefully ahead of the Arsenal clash under the lights.

One of the challenges of having players representing their country comes with the added risk of them returning with knocks and injuries.

This latest international break, Crystal Palace had three players called up for England, the first time since the early 90s.

All three enjoyed gametime, with fast-rising Tyrick Mitchell making his debut at Wembley.

The joy though for Eagles fans has since been replaced by worry, after news broke that Michael Olise, who was called up to the France Under-21 team for the first time, picked up an injury and was on his way back to Palace.

Then there is star man Wilfried Zaha, who also missed his big day against England for Ivory Coast, because he picked up a hamstring injury while playing against France a few days earlier.

This is added to outstanding injuries to Nathan Ferguson and James McArthur, who both have missed the club’s last few games through injury.

So here is everything manager Patrick Vieira said about their availability ahead of Monday night’s game against the Gunners.

The former Arsenal man said: “I don’t know the grade for Wilf, maybe the Ivory manager knows more than me, but he’s is still in the treatment room.

“But the good thing about Wilfried is that he doesn’t get injured often.”

On Michael Olise, he said “Until he gets back from the French Under-21s, he is still in the treatment room as well. He is not ready to do some work outside.

“We have to wait day after day and see how he is feeling, and then we will see. Both of them still have a chance of playing against Arsenal.”

Potential return dates

Wilfried Zaha: According to the Ivory Coast manager, Wilfried Zaha has a grade one to grade two hamstring problem and is likely to be rested for the game against Arsenal if there are any issues, but his manager Patrick Vieira is not ruling him entirely.

Potential return: Arsenal (H) April 4

Michael Olise: Another with a suspected hamstring or a foot injury, but the initial diagnosis doesn’tlook that bad and his manager says he could also be back against Arsenal.

Potential return: Arsenal (H) April 4

James McArthur: He has had issues with his hamstring, but is back in training and should be back in contention for the Arsenal game on Monday night.

Potential return: Arsenal (H) April 4