Crystal Palace manager, Oliver Glasner, is facing a dilemma amid midfield injuries as he debates whether to move Chelsea loanee, Trevoh Chalobah, into the midfield position to help cope with the team’s current injury problems.
Cheick Doucoure is set to make a return to the matchday squad after recovering from tendon damage to his toe, while key midfielders Jefferson Lerma and Adam Wharton will be sidelined due to injury. Lerma suffered a hamstring injury, and Wharton is scheduled for surgery on a groin problem he has been carrying throughout the season.
Chalobah, who is on loan from Chelsea, has been a regular starter in the back three alongside Marc Guehi and Maxence Lacroix. Although he has experience playing in midfield during his career, Glasner is hesitant to move him from the defensive line, preferring to keep the back three intact.
Glasner mentioned that he has other options in mind to fill the midfield positions, including Cheick Doucoure and Justin Devenny. Marc Guehi has also played in midfield in the past, and Will Hughes and Daichi Kamada have shown their capabilities in that position as well.
With these alternatives available, Glasner has decided to keep Chalobah in the back three for the time being. The manager emphasized the importance of maintaining a solid defensive line while ensuring that the midfield is adequately covered by the remaining players.
As Crystal Palace prepares to face Wolves and Fulham in the upcoming Premier League games, Glasner’s decision to keep Chalobah in defense reflects his strategy to maintain stability in the team despite the midfield setbacks. The manager’s thoughtful approach to managing the team’s resources and adapting to changing circumstances will be crucial in navigating through the challenges posed by the ongoing injuries.
