Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieria has given a team news update ahead of his side's Premier League game against Liverpool on Sunday.
The Eagles are still missing Cheikhou Kouyate and Wilfried Zaha due to their involvement at the Africa Cup of Nations but have been boosted by the return of Jordan Ayew to training on Friday morning.
The Ghanian winger was initially thought to be having time off following his country's group-stage exit from AFCON on Tuesday but reportedly turned down that offer so that he could feature against the Reds on the weekend.
Asked in his press conference whether Ayew was ready to start against Liverpool, Vieira said: “We don’t know, we still have a couple of days before the game. He was in today and took part in the first part of training. We will have a discussion tomorrow [Saturday] to find out how he’s feeling.”
Vieira will still be without long-term absentee James McArthur however due to his hamstring injury. The Scotsman has been out since November but recently returned to individual training and could be back working with the rest of the squad from next week.
The same can be said for James Tomkins. The centre-back was ruled out of Palace's recent trip to Brighton after picking up a knock and will also miss Sunday's game but is expected back in training next week.
Despite those players being unavailable, Vieira said he was still pleased with the competition for places within his starting XI.
“This is exactly what I want from the players,” he added. “It is for them to compete for the position, and when they have that opportunity to play, to show how good they are for the good of the team.
“Michael [Olise] did really well for us, and he has to keep challenging for the starting XI. Same for Jack [Butland], he has to push Vince [Guaita] and I think that will be raising the demands and the quality of the team.”
Looking at the Liverpool team, Vieira said it would still be a big challenge to overcome the title-chasers despite them missing two of their best goal threats in Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.
The two wide players both scored against Palace in the reverse fixture at Anfield back in September but are away at AFCON where they'll be playing the knockout stages next week.
“It’s not just about those two players they’re missing," said Vieria.
"Obviously with those two they’re stronger but there are still players playing really well with fantastic talents. The best way to describe this team before talking about the individual talent is as a team. This is a strong team.”
Think Crystal Palace need to make some signings in January or are you happy with the team as it is? Take our January transfer deal or no deal survey by clicking here.
