AliousCrystal Palace’s quest for their inaugural Premier League win this season faces additional challenges as they prepare to confront Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, with two key players unavailable for selection.
The Eagles have been grappling with several injury concerns, including the long-term absence of Matheus Franca and the delayed debut of Chelsea loanee Trevoh Chalobah, who was injured during his first training session with the club. However, there’s a silver lining as Chalobah is now fit to make his first appearance for Palace.
This fixture has taken on heightened significance for Oliver Glasner’s side, who remain winless after five Premier League matches. Their recent performance against Manchester United showed promise but fell short of securing three points, largely due to Andre Onana’s exceptional goalkeeping.
As they approach what could potentially be a crucial early-season clash in terms of relegation concerns, Palace has received further setbacks. Manager Glasner confirmed that Chris Richards will be sidelined for the Everton match due to a hamstring injury. Additionally, while Franca has returned to full training, he is not yet match-ready after his extended absence.
Glasner elaborated on the team’s injury situation, noting that while Franca and Chalobah are technically available, only Chalobah will be included in the squad. He emphasized the need for caution with Franca’s reintegration after his lengthy layoff.
The absence of Richards, a player previously praised by former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick for his aerial prowess and defensive qualities, adds to Palace’s concerns. His unavailability, along with the suspended Cheick Doucouré and ineligible Chadi Riad, puts additional pressure on the team’s defensive capabilities.
As Palace heads into this crucial match, they’ll need to rely heavily on their offensive talents like Eberechi Eze and Eddie Nketiah to compensate for their defensive shortcomings. The outcome of this fixture could have significant implications for Palace’s season trajectory and their efforts to avoid becoming embroiled in a relegation battle.
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