The central midfielder was taken off during the match against Arsenal with an ankle problem just days before the Conference League final
Crystal Palace face a nervous wait over the availability of key central midfielder Adam Wharton for the Conference League final on Wednesday, after the Englishman was forced off with an ankle injury against Arsenal on Sunday.
With neither side having anything to play for in the final fixture of the Premier League season, Crystal Place were hoping for a calm afternoon with their first ever European final, against Rayo Vallecano, coming up in just a few days.
However, early in the second half, Eagles fans and staff were left in a state of anxiety as Myles Lewis-Skelly clattered into the back of Adam Wharton, forcing the midfielder off the field.
Wharton is a key figure in the Palace side, and his absence would be a major blow as the club look to make history in Europe.
After the game, head coach Oliver Glasner, who will depart the club after Wednesday’s final, spoke about Wharton, with the German unable to provide a definitive answer on whether his player would be fit for the match.
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“His ankle is a bit sore,” said Glasner. “He [Wharton] always gives positive signals, but the real answer we’ll get tomorrow after he’s had one night of sleep.
“Hopefully it’s not too bad an he’s available for Wednesday.”
Glasner optimistic about the final
Speaking to UEFA earlier this month, Glasner hailed his side’s efforts both at home and abroad in what has been a marathon season for the Eagles.
“It’s a huge achievement for all of us. We’re playing this competition for the first time,” he said.
“Many of our players haven’t played European football before, and we needed all these games, all these experiences to progress and develop.
“Now we’re all looking forward to the final, and also playing – it will be the 17th game of the Conference League and our 60th game this season. It’s massive.”
