Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that midfielder Jefferson Lerma will not be available for the upcoming matches against Wolves and Fulham. Lerma sustained a hamstring injury during the 1-0 win against Tottenham Hotspur last Sunday and had to be substituted in the first half. As a result, he was not included in the squad for the 2-1 EFL Cup victory over Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Glasner mentioned that Lerma is unlikely to return before the international break and the team is hopeful that he will be back after that. The manager highlighted the challenges faced by international players due to the lack of a proper preseason and the congested fixture schedule. Lerma, who frequently travels for international duty, is one of many players struggling during this phase of the season.
In Lerma’s absence, Daichi Kamada stepped up and scored the winning goal against Villa, securing Palace’s spot in the EFL Cup quarter-finals. Kamada, who came on as a substitute in the first half when Eberechi Eze picked up a hamstring injury, showed versatility by playing in different positions throughout the match. Despite a shaky start, Kamada impressed Glasner with his determination and ability to find the back of the net.
Glasner acknowledged that Kamada may have been eager to make an impact on the game, but he was pleased with the midfielder’s performance overall. The manager encouraged Kamada to stay composed and focus on his strengths, which ultimately led to the crucial goal from outside the box.
The team will have to adapt to Lerma’s absence and rely on players like Kamada to step up and deliver in key matches against tough opponents. With a challenging schedule ahead, Crystal Palace will need all hands on deck to maintain their momentum and secure positive results in the upcoming games.
