Crystal Palace handed major injury boost ahead of AZ clash | OneFootball

Crystal Palace Injury Update Ahead of AZ Alkmaar

Crystal Palace approach their next Conference League assignment with renewed optimism as an important injury update provides clarity before AZ Alkmaar arrive at Selhurst Park. After a period marked by setbacks and inconsistency, there is a sense that key figures are finally edging back into contention.

Key Returns Bolster Training Ground Mood

Adam Wharton’s return to full training on Wednesday delivered a timely lift. The midfielder had been ruled out of the recent 2-0 win over Brentford due to illness, but his involvement now suggests he is ready to feature again. Chadi Riad also trained, a significant development for a defender who has spent months recovering from a serious knee injury sustained in January.

Oliver Glasner will be relieved to see both players moving closer to selection, especially given the continued absence of Cheick Doucoure and Caleb Kporha. Eddie Nketiah, who suffered a hamstring issue during the Carabao Cup victory over Liverpool, remains sidelined and is not expected to return until after the international break.

Photo: IMAGO

Recent Form Shaping Palace’s Mindset

Palace’s Conference League journey requires immediate attention, particularly after the shock home defeat to AEK Larnaca and the subsequent 1-0 loss to Arsenal. Those setbacks extended their winless run in all competitions to four matches, raising concerns about rhythm and resilience.

However, the response has been encouraging. Successive wins over Liverpool and Brentford have steadied confidence and highlighted the strength of Glasner’s structure. The manager praised his squad following the Brentford result, describing it as an “important” win that extended their unbeaten home record in the league to 11 games.

“It was a great win and a very important win,” he said. “We are really pleased that we could win the set-play battle. Huge credit to the players. You could see in the last 20 minutes that their legs got fatigued, which is normal when you have such a tight schedule, but we defended very well.”

Conference League Stakes Rising

Palace sit 16th in the Conference League after one win and one defeat from their opening two fixtures. With AZ Alkmaar representing a formidable test, the Crystal Palace injury update offers both reassurance and urgency. Glasner’s side know that momentum must be maintained if they are to force their way into contention in a finely balanced group.