Palace boss makes strong statement on injury-plagued defender

The 21-year-old is set to be out for a further five to six weeks after he suffered a hamstring injury in a behind closed doors friendly against League One side Portsmouth.

The right-back, who can play anywhere across the back four, has endured an injury-stricken time at Selhurst Park since joining the South Londoners from West Brom in July 2020.

Ferguson made his long-awaited debut at Spurs this season in the 3-0 defeat on Boxing Day, replacing Tyrick Mitchell for the final eight minutes of the match.

When asked whether he had spoken with Ferguson after the injury was confirmed, Vieira said: “We talked about it. When you have been out for so long, and when you’re coming back, there is a higher percentage of getting injured again.

“But what is important is that we will treat this hamstring injury well. He will come back – he will be stronger.

“A lot of work has been done behind the scenes with the medical staff to improve his physical condition as well.

“We don’t have any doubts about the quality of the player that we have signed or the person that we signed.

“He has been really unlucky with those injuries because he is a player who concentrates on his work and wants to improve.

“He will get better, and we will give him the support that he needs to get back to the field.”

Speaking on how he planned to keep Ferguson’s morale up, Vieira said: “Nathan is just at the beginning of his career – there is no pressure or worries to have.

“He has the support of the Chairman, Dougie [Freedman], myself and all the staff around him. It’s better that those injuries arrive now at his early age.

“He will get back on the field – we don’t have any doubt over that.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD