Speaking to the Press this morning, manager Sam Allardyce confirmed that James McArthur and Patrick Van Aanholt may miss the Chelsea game tomorrow as they are struggling to be fit, also adding that Fraizer Campbell had picked up a knock in training.
There was good news however as Mathieu Flamini has this week returned to full fitness whilst all of Palace’s international players have come back injury-free, meaning the likes of Benteke and Zaha could have important roles to play against Chelsea.
Twitter: SA: Flamini’s back training, PvA’s still injured and Fraizer’s picked up an injury. Macca struggling with back spasms. They’re the doubts. (@CPFC)
Twitter: SA: International players came back okay, fit. We’re running into an almost Christmas-like period. Seven games in April after three in March (@CPFC)
Sam Allardyce understands the difficulty of playing the champions-elect, but believes that if the side show discipline in defence and have a cutting edge in attack they could come away with a point – or three!
Twitter: SA: It’s going to be a difficult task, but not impossible. If we get a chance we have to take it, if we can do that we can upset the odds. (@CPFC)
Twitter: SA: It’s a game for us to try to get a point in – or three! (@CPFC)
Twitter: SA: All of us have to get better in the final third. We’re not as creative or as clinical as we should be at the moment. (@CPFC)
He also highlighted the importance of Clean Sheets and Luka’s important role within the team.
Twitter: SA: Cleans sheets are the key to our success at the moment. It’s one of the most important things to score first. (@CPFC)
Twitter: SA: We’ve got a specific player in a position we didn’t have before [in Luka]. He’s the protection for the back four & catalyst for attacks. (@CPFC)
Twitter: SA: People in that position have to set off attacks and Luka’s passing is as good as anybody in the team. (@CPFC)
Allardyce also praised manager Antonio Conte for what hes done this season.
Twitter: SA: You’ve got to give huge credit to Conte. He’s gone back to what system he knows best and instilled confidence in the CFC players. (@CPFC)
Watch the full press conference below:
YouTube: Press Conference: Sam Allardyce Pre Chelsea
