Vieira tests positive for Covid-19 as Tottenham versus Palace goes ahead
Patrick Vieira will not be in attendance for Crystal Palace’s game against Tottenham Hotspur as he has tested positive for Covid-19, according to reports.
Palace have not played since December 15, as they drew 2-2 against Southampton. Their scheduled game on December 18 against Watford was postponed as a result of a Covid-19 outbreak at the Hornets.
Tottenham meanwhile had three games called off earlier this month as there was an outbreak in their camp.
16 Conclusions on the 66-goal Boxing Day of 1963
Spurs were back in action last weekend as they shared the points against Liverpool. They also played in midweek as they booked their place in the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
There were due to be nine Boxing Day games in the Premier League. This is now down to six as Liverpool vs Leeds, Wolves vs Watford and Burnley vs Everton have been called off.
The Eagles have experienced an outbreak of their own in recent days, but their game versus Tottenham is still on.
The Athletic have revealed that Vieira will miss the game as he has returned a positive Covid-19 test. Palace assistant Osian Roberts will lead the team in Vieira’s absence.
Elsewhere, player welfare is a hot topic in football at the moment. This came after Jordan Henderson suggested that concerns from players are not being taken seriously.
Man City head coach Pep Guardiola has claimed that a player strike may be needed. Speaking on Christmas Eve, Vieira said that he was against this idea:
“I don’t know if they would be right to do it. The only thing I can tell you is I am against this kind of strike,” Vieira said.
“What is really important at the moment is the voice of players or managers should be heard a little bit more.”
The former Arsenal captain added: “I am not worried about the players’ welfare regarding the games during this period because it has been like that for years and years. What I am worried about is the players’ welfare regarding Covid.
“I think players coming back from a Covid situation and asking them to play, having not had enough training, is a lot on them. This is what I am worried about.”
