PALACE boss Patrick Vieira has received a timely boost as players have returned to fitness ahead of the London derby against Chelsea.

Vieira will have midfielders James McArthur, Will Hughes and Cheikhou Kouyate available for the match against the Blues.

The manager told the press: “Macca [McAthur] is getting physically much better and has been training all week with the team.

“Cheikhou [Kouyaté] has come back from the Africa Cup of Nations and we have different options in midfield.

Your Local Guardian: Conor Gallagher, left, will miss out against Chelsea where, James McArthur could make his returnConor Gallagher, left, will miss out against Chelsea where, James McArthur could make his return

“[Hughes] is feeling better. He managed to do a couple of training [sessions] with the team this week so will be in the squad tomorrow.”

Although loanee Conor Gallagher will not be able to play in the match against his parent club due to Premier League rules.

Vieira said: “We knew the rules before signing Conor so it’s no surprise he will not get involved in the games against Chelsea.

"So we’ve tried a different system and different players and still have a reflection [to make] on who will replace Conor.”

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