Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is closely monitoring midfielder Adam Wharton’s groin injury on a daily basis. Wharton, who has been called up to the England U21 squad, is expected to withdraw from the upcoming European Championship qualifiers due to the injury. Despite starting every Premier League game this season, Wharton was left out of the starting line-ups for EFL Cup matches.
Glasner emphasized that Wharton will only play if he is fully fit, highlighting his impressive performance in the recent game against Everton. The manager acknowledged the need to manage Wharton’s condition day by day, as it can vary in severity.
Meanwhile, Matheus Franca is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after reaggravating a groin injury that had troubled him last season. Despite the setback, Glasner commended Franca’s positive attitude and dedication to his rehabilitation process. The Brazilian attacker’s resilience and commitment to recovery have earned him respect from the coaching staff and teammates.
In response to Franca’s injury, Glasner expressed confidence in the existing squad depth, mentioning players like Jeffrey Schlupp, Ismaila Sarr, and Daichi Kamada who can fill the attacking role. He also hinted at the possibility of giving opportunities to young talents from the academy, such as Asher Agbinone and Franco Umeh, to showcase their capabilities in the first team.
Glasner dismissed suggestions of regret over not signing another attacker during the summer transfer window, emphasizing the need to focus on finding solutions within the current squad. The manager remains optimistic about the team’s prospects and is determined to make the most of the available resources.
Overall, Glasner’s approach to managing the midfield injury challenges at Crystal Palace reflects a blend of caution, optimism, and faith in the collective strength of the team. As the season progresses, his strategic decisions and player development initiatives will be crucial in sustaining the team’s performance in the competitive Premier League.
