Patrick Vieira has said uncertainty surrounding Covid cases means Crystal Palace are now looking for players this January when previously they hadn’t planned to. Speaking to the media on Friday morning ahead of Palace’s FA Cup game against Millwall,
Patrick Vieira said: “The plan wasn’t to bring anyone in during the winter break because we knew that it would always be challenging to find the players to improve the squad. So we didn’t plan to do any kind of business. But obviously having those three players in the Africa Cup of Nations and taking into consideration Covid, it’s really difficult to be prepared. One day you will be missing one player, two players, three players. Taking all that into consideration we are thinking more and more about what can we do or try to do to improve the squad.”
Palace have been linked with moves for Juventus’ Aaron Ramsey and Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah in recent weeks, though Vieira refused to be drawn into any speculation regarding a transfer for the duo.
Patrick Vieira added: “The two names that you mentioned – they are good players. There is no doubt about it. But at the moment, we are focusing on the game tomorrow and about how can we go to the next round.”
The Eagles travel to the Den tomorrow to face Gary Rowett’s Millwall side in the FA Cup Third Round. Kick-off is at 12.45pm and the match will be broadcast live on ITV.
