Patrick Vieira misses Premier League trip to Tottenham after positive Covid-19 test

Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira will miss their Premier League trip to Tottenham after returning a positive Covid-19 test.

“We can confirm that Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira is self-isolating after returning a positive test for Covid-19, and will be absent from the touchline for today’s [Sunday] match against Spurs,” Crystal Palace tweeted:

“Assistant manager Osian Roberts will deputise for Vieira for today’s match.”

The Boxing Day clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium goes ahead after Crystal Palace failed in their attempts to get the game called off.

Palace are understood to have been in discussions with the Premier League on Christmas Day about postponing the match after a number of positive coronavirus tests.

However, the Premier League was not satisfied with the late request.

Vieira revealed on Christmas Eve that there were a “couple of cases” within the Palace camp but the increase over the following 48 hours was not deemed enough to see the game cancelled.

The Premier League announced last week that a game will be played if a team has 13 fit outfield players and a goalkeeper.