Crystal Palace manager gives updates on Adam Wharton, Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucouré ahead of Conference League clash with Fiorentina
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has delivered a mixed injury update ahead of Thursday’s UEFA Conference League quarter-final first leg against Fiorentina at Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are preparing for one of the biggest matches in their history, having reached the last eight of a major European competition for the first time in their 121-year existence.
After coming through a tense tie with AEK Larnaca and earlier navigating the knockout play-offs against Zrinjski Mostar, Palace now face a Fiorentina side with significant pedigree in the competition, having reached two of the last four finals.
There was positive news regarding key midfielder Adam Wharton, who had been a doubt after picking up a minor issue while on international duty.
“He had a minor adductor issue with England but it’s all sorted. He trained the whole week and is available for tomorrow.”
Eddie Nketiah injury setback
However, the outlook is far less encouraging for Eddie Nketiah, who has suffered another injury setback just as he was closing in on a return.
“It’s how football is, because it looked like everybody would be available for tomorrow’s until two minutes before the end of the session [on Wednesday],” Glasner said.
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“Eddie, unfortunately, injured his hamstring again.
“He will have a scan again, but it doesn’t really look good for him.”
Nketiah’s absence further limits Palace’s attacking options, particularly with record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen unavailable due to suspension after accumulating yellow cards.
As a result, the goalscoring burden is expected to fall on Jean-Philippe Mateta.
At the back, Chris Richards is available and in line to feature as part of a back three, offering a boost defensively.
There was also a cautious update on Cheick Doucouré, who is continuing his recovery after a long-term absence.
“The most important thing is, as he’s missed almost the last two years, he gets back to where he’s stable, a training rhythm and then a playing rhythm – so we still have to be very cautious.”
With a historic European opportunity ahead, Crystal Palace will hope the positive news on Wharton can help offset the latest blow to Nketiah as they prepare for a stern test against the Italian side.
