Opponent Watch: Chelsea given fitness update on two key Palace players for semi-final tie

Patrick Vieira gives fitness update regarding Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise ahead of Chelsea vs Crystal Palace FA Cup semi-final

Speaking in his pre-match presser as quoted by the Daily Mail, Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira gave a fitness update on Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise ahead of the FA Cup clash against Chelsea.

The French manager, who will already have to deal with the absence of Conor Gallagher, will now be sweating over the fitness of his youngsters Mitchell and Olise. This could be a big blow for the Eagles who will take on the Blues in their upcoming FA Cup tie.

The 22-year-old Left-back and the 20-year-old midfielder have featured prominently under the former Arsenal star. They have developed greatly under his tutelage and are a vital part of his first-team set-up. Whilst Palace have a great chance of pulling one over their London rivals, the absence of the enigmatic duo could be a big loss.

Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise are doubtful for Crystal Palace ahead of their FA Cup tie against Chelsea
Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise are doubtful for Crystal Palace ahead of their FA Cup tie against Chelsea

In conversation during his pre-match press conference as quoted by Daily Mail, Patrick Vieira spoke about Mitchell and Olise. He highlighted that the duo has had some individual training but will have to wait until tomorrow to confirm if they can play against Chelsea

‘We had Tyrick and Michael, who had some training on the field individually yesterday and a little more today. Of course, then we have to wait until tomorrow to see any reaction but they will only get involved in the game if they are 100 percent fit.’

Key issues for palace against Chelsea

The Selhurst Park outfit has grown in strength since the arrival of Vieira and can be more than formidable opponents on their day. History favours the Blues against Crystal Palace as both the teams have faced each other 42 times to date with Chelsea winning 26 games, Palace winning on seven occasions, and the other nine games finishing as draws.

That being said, the Eagles are more than capable of causing a huge upset on their day. Their path to the semi-finals of the FA Cup is a testimony of how far they have come as a club. The Blues had an emotionally and physically draining week after Real Madrid knocked us out of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final over two hard-fought legs.

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira gave us a fitness update regarding Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise
Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira gave us a fitness update regarding Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise

We did, however, manage to win the second leg with a scoreline of 2-3 and ran riot against Southampton with a 0-6 drubbing in the Premier League prior to that. Thomas Tuchel would be hoping that his men can build on this momentum on Sunday at Wembley.

With a top-four finish in the Premier League the most realistic target for us right now, we should try our best to win the FA Cup this time. The Blues have struggled with a lot of issues on as well as off the pitch and a major trophy could help boost our morale going forward.

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For that to happen we would have to first overcome Patrick Vieira’s men on the weekend. Even though the statistics may be in our favour, this is a task easier said than done even though the Selhurst Park outfit could be without pivotal youngsters such as Tyrick Mitchell and Michael Olise.

However, Olise and Gallagher’s potential absence could still weaken them to some extent. The Chelsea loanee, who cannot play against his parent club this season, has arguably been one of their best players this term while Olise’s dribbling skills and ability to take on defenders make him a nightmare for many defenders to deal with.