According to The Sun, Wilfried Zaha is winning his race to be fit for the Premier League clash between Arsenal and Crystal Palace on Monday.
What’s the story?
Well, this isn’t the news Mikel Arteta will have wanted to hear.
The Crystal Palace talisman injured his hamstring on international duty with the Ivory Coast, ruling him out of their 3-0 defeat to England.
However, Zaha has been given plenty of rest since the injury occurred, and he is now hopeful of facing the Gunners at Selhurst Park on Monday.
The south Londoners are on a six-game unbeaten run under Patrick Vieira, winning four of those with the 29-year-old playing a huge role.
Zaha has scored three goals in his last four Premier League outings, and the Gunners will have a task on their hands to stop him if he is fit.
Crystal Palace would be mad to play Wilfried Zaha against Arsenal
In our view, Vieira cannot risk the Ivorian against Arsenal.
Crystal Palace have an FA Cup Semi-Final clash with Chelsea on April 17th, and they cannot afford to be without Zaha at Wembley.
The Eagles are currently sat comfortably in 12th place in the Premier League, and they are highly unlikely to be relegated.
Therefore, Vieira shouldn’t risk Zaha against the Gunners, as it simply isn’t worth it with such a massive game on the horizon.
The likes of Odsonne Edouard or Jesurun Rak-Sakyi should be handed chances in his place, in what is effectively a free hit for Crystal Palace.
If Zaha plays and worsens his hamstring issue, causing him to miss the Semi-Final, supporters will be furious with Vieira.
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