The midfielder enjoyed a productive season under the Frenchman at Selhurst Park last term, making 39 appearances and scoring 12 goals to earn fan favourite status with the Eagles supporters.

Since his return to the Blues, the 22-year-old has played six times, including his debut in the Champions League, and Vieira expects him to be warmly welcomed back to south London this afternoon.

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‘I don’t have any doubt about the reception he will receive,’ he said.

‘It’s been challenging for him because he hasn’t played as much as he was expecting. He has to keep fighting and showing the manager that he wants to get into the team.’

Vieira also reflected on the recent appointment of Graham Potter as Chelsea head coach, with the former Brighton boss making the move from Palace’s big rivals.

‘When a manager works well for a couple of years, he deserves a chance in one of the top teams,’ he continued.

‘When you look at his record in the last couple of years, he’s been doing fantastically well with Brighton and today he’s with Chelsea. I wish him all the best – after the game on Saturday.’

‘We just look at what he has been doing at Brighton and analyse the first game played in the Champions League [against RB Salzburg],’ added Vieira on how he was preparing to take on Potter’s Chelsea.

‘We’re seeing if there is something we can take to allow ourselves to perform in a better way.’