James McArthur was spotted in training on Crystal Palace’s official Instagram account at the club’s Friday session, which could mean the Eagles are set for a huge boost ahead of their important Premier League clash this weekend.
The post comes just days after Palace’s emphatic 3-0 win at home over Arsenal, where goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Jordan Ayew and Wilfried Zaha sealed the deal for the south London outfit and pushed them up to ninth in the table.
They headed into the weekend level on points with Leicester City, who they take on this weekend, making the potential inclusion of McArthur in the starting XI all the sweeter as they face an important foe in their battle for a top-10 finish.
Palace’s season has already been a dream for fans, as under new boss Patrick Vieira, they face a trip to Wembley in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea, have gone unbeaten against Manchester City and Arsenal this term and have developed a number of incredible young talents like Michael Olise, Tyrick Mitchell, Odsonne Edouard and Conor Gallagher.
A top-half finish come the end of their maiden season under Vieira will certainly put the cherry on the cake after being tipped for relegation prior to the season starting.
The return of McArthur could give fans and Vieira himself hope that they can finish this off as he has been an integral part of the team’s success this season. Prior to his injury back in November against Wolves, McArthur had started every game for the Eagles and was arguably having his best season since joining the club in 2014 alongside Chelsea loanee Gallagher.
And the fact he has been photographed in training may suggest that following his recent layoff and comeback off the bench against the Gunners, he has suffered no after-effects and is fit and firing ahead of the Foxes clash.
TIF Thoughts on McArthur’s potential return…
While Palace has recently done well without McArthur in the starting lineup – going unbeaten in their last seven in all competitions, which includes the 3-0 win over Arsenal, an impressive 0-0 draw with Man City and a 4-0 thumping of Everton in the FA Cup quarter-final, they will surely be licking their lips at the prospect of a return to the team from the off.
The Scot has had a great season under Vieira in what could be considered Palace’s best season in the history of the club. McArthur has averaged 1.8 tackles, 1.2 interceptions, 1.4 dribbles, and 1.4 clearances per game, as well as 0.7 key passes with an 83.8% pass accuracy from 42.3 attempts per game and 2.1 long balls. He is a do-it-all type player that could bring more stability to an already impressive midfield.
McArthur’s return could not come at a better time with Palace’s important league and cup fixtures coming up. It will certainly give the squad a boost and a far better chance at winning silverware while attaining their best-ever Premier League finish in the same season.