Crystal Palace Striker Eddie Nketiah Sidelined for Remainder of Campaign
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has delivered a significant blow to the club's attacking options, confirming that striker Eddie Nketiah will not feature again this season due to injury. The announcement comes as the Eagles prepare for a demanding schedule, balancing domestic and European football after a commanding 3-0 victory over Fiorentina in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final.
Glasner's Squad Management Strategy Amid Busy Fixture List
Speaking ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash with Newcastle United at Selhurst Park, Glasner expressed confidence in his players' fitness levels but hinted at the possibility of making up to six changes to the starting lineup. "We are not planning to rotate massively, because I'm just convinced, first of all, the players are fresh now - or fresher," the Austrian tactician stated. "And the best preparation for every single game is a good performance and a good result in the game beforehand."
Glasner emphasised that while he believes the squad is well-rested following a three-week break between matches, he will not hesitate to make alterations if necessary. "But if I feel it's necessary to rotate six players, I will rotate six players because we never [want to] risk any injuries," he added, drawing on his experience with Eintracht Frankfurt's Europa League triumph in 2022, where league form suffered due to fixture congestion.
Key Players Return and Face Fitness Assessments
The Palace squad sees the return of record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who missed the Fiorentina win through suspension and is now available for selection. Glasner dismissed suggestions that Strand Larsen might be extra motivated against Newcastle, who attempted to sign him last summer, saying, "He doesn't need any extra motivation. He's always motivated and that's how he's been from day number one."
However, other attacking options are under scrutiny. Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored in the victory over Fiorentina on his first start since January, will undergo medical assessments to determine his readiness. Similarly, Evann Guessand is set for checks after sustaining a knock during the European fixture.
Nketiah's Rehabilitation Focused on Pre-Season Return
Glasner provided a detailed update on Nketiah's recovery, indicating that the former Arsenal forward's focus should now shift to being fully fit for the start of pre-season training. "Now his deadline is not Newcastle or Florence, now his deadline should be when the new pre-season starts, that he's in the best shape, that he can really train the full preseason with a new manager," Glasner explained. "Because that's what he deserves, what he needs. Constant training, constant games to get back to match fitness, and we will support him."
The manager's comments underscore a long-term approach to Nketiah's rehabilitation, prioritising his full recovery over a rushed return this term.
Palace's European Ambitions Bolstered by Impressive Win
Crystal Palace's comprehensive 3-0 win against Fiorentina, courtesy of goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta, Tyrick Mitchell, and Ismaila Sarr, has positioned them favourably for the second leg in Florence. The performance, which included lively contributions from substitutes like Yeremy Pino, has injected optimism into the squad as they aim to progress in the Conference League while maintaining their Premier League form.
Glasner reiterated his belief that success breeds energy, stating, "This is how we want to go to Florence, with a good performance and a good result. And therefore we need fresh players and of course, a good performance." With key players returning and others being managed carefully, Palace face a critical period in their season, balancing ambition with prudent squad rotation.
