“He’s in too much pain” Olivier Glasner reveal Crystal Palace ACE now agree on partaking drastic decision towards uncertain fitness issue as another KEY player confirmed won’t be available against Wolves
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has given an update on the fitness of Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton ahead of their Premier League match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Saturday.
Both Eze and Wharton started in Palace’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the EFL Cup’s last-16 round on Wednesday, where Eze scored the opening goal. However, Eze exited the game in the 18th minute with a hamstring injury, and Wharton left just nine minutes later due to a recurring groin issue.
Glasner has confirmed that both players will miss Palace’s next two matches against Wolves and Fulham, with Wharton set to undergo surgery.
Detailing Eze and Wharton’s injuries, Glasner said in Friday’s press conference, “Eze has a hamstring injury, and he’ll be out for at least the Wolves and Fulham games. The international break will give us more time, but it’s ambitious to hope for his return immediately after. He’s dedicated and will work hard with our medical team.”
On Wharton, Glasner added, “We’ve decided he’ll undergo surgery and won’t be available for Wolves. He tried training today but was in too much pain. It doesn’t make sense to keep pushing him, given his recent struggles. We’re hopeful he’ll return in around four weeks.”
In addition, Glasner confirmed that Jefferson Lerma, Chris Richards (both hamstring), Chadi Riad (knee), Matheus Franca (groin), and Joel Ward (unknown) are all still injured, while Rob Holding remains out of the squad and is training with the Under-21s. However, Cheick Doucoure is set to rejoin the first-team squad this weekend, recovering from a toe injury sustained in September.
Discussing Ward’s absence, Glasner explained, “Joel missed the Aston Villa game, but it’s not serious. He’ll miss Wolves but should be back for Fulham. Jefferson is also out, likely until after the international break.”
“Cheick Doucoure’s return is sooner than we anticipated. Though he won’t be fully fit, it’s a boost to have him with us,” Glasner continued. “Chris Richards could resume training next week if things go well, which is encouraging news.”
Glasner noted that the tight summer schedule, with events like Euro 2024 and Copa America, has affected the fitness of his squad, similar to other clubs. “Many managers are dealing with the same issue. Several of our players had little rest and limited pre-season, followed by a demanding game schedule. We’re seeing the impact now, but our squad is strong. Our win at Villa, despite injuries, gives us confidence. We’re focused on winning against Wolverhampton and not letting injuries hold us back.”
Crystal Palace currently sits 17th in the Premier League and aims to secure back-to-back wins after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 at Selhurst Park last weekend.