Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has confirmed that his side will be without Wilfried Zaha for Saturday's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford through injury.
The winger, who spent two years on United's books, suffered a hamstring problem during a goalless draw with Newcastle United at Selhurst Park almost a fortnight ago and has failed to recover in time for the trip to M16. He was forced off just past the hour mark against Eddie Howe's side and was replaced by Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Zaha, who made just four appearances during a forgettable spell at Old Trafford, is Palace's top scorer this season, scoring six goals and registering three assists in all competitions. He has been an almost ever-present figure this term, meaning he will be sorely missed by the Londoners.
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Although Palace have had almost a fortnight to prepare for their second clash with United in the space of just 18 days, Zaha requires more time to recover, with Vieira confirming he could be out for another two weeks.
"He is still on the treatment table," Vieira told reporters at his press conference. "His injury will take a couple of weeks so we will have to do without him.
"Wilfried is somebody who recovers quite quickly. We don't want to put a date on his injury."
Meanwhile, Vieira, who has lost just one of his three previous competitive meetings with United as a manager, has confirmed that deadline day recruits Naouirou Ahamada and Albert Sambi Lokonga are in contention to make their Palace debuts at Old Trafford. Ahamada was snapped up from German outfit Stuttgart while Lokonga joined the club on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season.
Outlining what Lokonga will add to his squad, Vieira said: "He has Premier League experience but what is important for him is to get more involved and play games. We will give him those opportunities to play but he also has to earn them.
"He believes this will be the right decision for his career."
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