Crystal Palace assistant manager Osian Roberts has provided a fresh availability update on his squad ahead of their key London derby against West Ham on New Year’s Day. Assistant boss Roberts has been on the touchline in Vieira’s place, and he told the media on Friday the club would be taking each day as it comes with regular Covid testing still going on at the club.
Osian Roberts said: “In terms of availability for tomorrow I think we’re in a fairly good place. Who knows what today brings in terms of the PCR process so we’ll take that as we do every of the week. Other than that, we’re in a really good place.”
Conor Gallagher was one of the high-profile omissions from the midweek Palace matchday squad against Norwich, with Roberts unable to confirm the reason he missed the game when speaking to Amazon Prime Video. Asked whether he could offer any more clarity on the situation now,
Osian Roberts answered: “It’s still one we’re unsure of and we’re taking on a day to day basis.”
Roberts was able to shed some light on some other injuries, however, first confirming that Joachim Andersen would be available for selection for the game against the Irons. The Danish centre-back went down injured during the latter stages of the Eagles’ midweek game against Norwich and had to be substituted.
Osian Roberts added: “Joachim is fine and available. Of course, a lot of games in close proximity is one of the issues for all clubs in terms of players being able to recover quickly.”
He also revealed the latest on James McArthur, who suffered a hamstring tear back in November that has kept him on the sidelines ever since. The Scotsman had started the season in excellent form before picking up his injury, though it seems it now won’t be long until he can get back in the mix for the Eagles.
Osian Roberts said: He will not be in contention for this week. And probably next week might be a little early as well, we’ll see how things go at the beginning of next week with him.”
