AliousCrystal Palace’s FA Cup third-round match against Stockport faces disruption due to an illness outbreak within the squad.
Manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that several key players have been affected, forcing the club to supplement training sessions with Under-21 players.
At his pre-match press conference, Glasner detailed the extent of the situation.
Multiple first-team players, including Jean-Philippe Mateta, Maxence Lacroix, and Tyrick Mitchell, have missed training sessions throughout the week. While Caleb Kporha managed to return to training on Friday, goalkeeper Dean Henderson was sent home after falling ill.
The manager expressed uncertainty about player availability for the upcoming fixture, noting that even if some recover in time, their match fitness may be compromised after spending days bedridden with fever.
Despite these challenges, Glasner highlighted a positive aspect, praising the quality of training sessions among the available players, describing them as among the best in recent months.
The Eagles are facing additional selection concerns with Will Hughes likely to miss out due to a foot problem.
Adam Wharton’s absence will be more prolonged as he recovers from hip and groin surgery, with Glasner indicating the midfielder is unlikely to return to action in January.
The match represents Glasner’s first experience of the FA Cup, pitting his Premier League side against League One opposition.
The Austrian manager drew on a German saying to characterize the fixture, describing it as “David against Goliath,” acknowledging the traditional appeal of such cup encounters.
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