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Crystal Palace sweating on the fitness of midfielder ahead of Man City Premier League fixture

kadeem simmonds
·3-min read
Will Hughes
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Crystal Palace have a largely healthy squad to face Man City on Saturday evening.

The Eagles will be looking to create a bigger gap between themselves and the bottom three, which currently stands at five points, and a win this weekend will be their first of 2023.

The reigning Premier League champions visit Selhurst Park and Patrick Vieira will have the 'majority' of players to pick from with a late fitness test required for midfielder Will Hughes.

READ MORE: Patrick Vieira tells Crystal Palace how to pick up wins amid Premier League relegation 'concern'

“The majority of the players trained all week," Vieira said to the club's website. “Sam’s still got a couple of weeks to go. He didn’t train with the team yet, and I think he will need some individual work for the next couple of weeks.

“Will Hughes was sick at the start of the week. He trained today, and we’ll have to see how he feels tomorrow.”

Palace will be without midfielder Cheick Doucoure who was sent off against Aston Villa during the 1-0 defeat last weekend.

Vieira believes his absence will allow others to step up while admitting he doesn't want the ball-winning midfielder to change the way he plays.

"Cheick is an important player for us. At the same time, he is suspended, and other players will have a chance to play.

“We have a couple of options, we’ve tried different options [in training] this week, and we’re looking forward to the game.

“We [Cheick and I] have talked about it, and of course when you are a defensive holding midfielder and you want to win those balls, sometimes, you are late for those challenges.

“We talk about it, but I don’t want him to change the way that he is playing. It’s something that is important for us as a team – this quality is required for that kind of position, especially in holding midfield – and I don’t want him to change his game. I still want him to be aggressive, defend going forward, and win those duels.”

Injuries and fitness concerns are part and parcel of Premier League football, with managers like Patrick Vieira often facing last-minute decisions about their squad selections.

As Crystal Palace prepare for the challenging fixture against Manchester City, having key players like Will Hughes available could make all the difference.

Maintaining peak fitness is crucial not only for players but also for individuals striving to perform at their best in everyday life.

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Whether on the pitch or off it, staying proactive about health and well-being is essential. As Crystal Palace look to overcome their challenges this season, addressing personal concerns with expert help, like the care provided by Smile Hair Clinic, can be a key factor in achieving confidence and resilience in every aspect of life.

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