Maxence Lacroix plays 90 minutes and scores in Europe as Palace receive boost before Manchester United, but Eddie Nketiah faces delay
Crystal Palace have received a major fitness boost ahead of Sunday’s trip to Manchester United, with Maxence Lacroix not only returning to action but delivering a decisive contribution in Europe.
The defender had been a doubt in the build-up to Thursday’s UEFA Conference League play-off second leg against Zrinjski Mostar after suffering an adductor issue in the first leg and missing the 1-0 Premier League win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Lacroix started, completed the full 90 minutes of the 2-0 win, and even got on the scoresheet as Palace progressed, a display that proved his fitness and all but confirms his availability for the tricky visit to Old Trafford.
Oliver Glasner casts doubt
Nketiah setback confirmed
While the news surrounding Lacroix is overwhelmingly positive, Palace are still without Eddie Nketiah.
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The striker has suffered a setback in his recovery, pushing back his anticipated return date.
“Eddie had a setback and it will take him now a few more weeks,” Glasner said earlier in the week. “We expect him back in training… I think it will be the end of March, but because we don’t have games, it looks like it will be April [on the pitch].”
That timeline leaves Palace short of attacking depth for the immediate run of fixtures, increasing the reliance on their current forward options.
Glasner also confirmed there were no additional injury concerns within the squad, maintaining relative stability despite a packed schedule that has already seen Palace surpass 40 matches across competitions this season.
With Lacroix proving both durable and decisive in Europe, attention now turns to whether he can carry that momentum into Sunday’s showdown at Manchester United, where Palace will look to build on their recent domestic form.
