Richards injury not as bad as first feared, Palace boss Glasner confirms | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have received a massive injury boost. Eagles defender Chris Richards suffered a bloody injury and needed to be stretchered off in the loss to Arsenal.

The fact that he had to be carried off following the clash with Gabriel Jesus didn’t bode well, but thankfully, Palace boss Oliver Glasner had excellent news.

Glasner said (via the CPFC website), “He got a knock on his foot, a stamp on his foot, and it had to be stitched.

“I don’t know how many stitches, but a few. The doctor told me it doesn’t look so bad. I’m always hopeful. We have to be hopeful.

“I don’t know if he will be okay for the Tottenham game, but I’m still hoping that he will be back against Fulham.”

Richards has been a crucial player for Glasner this term, starting in all 17 of Palace’s Premier League games.

The 25-year-old United States international will be a massive miss for Palace. They will hope to have him back soon, and for good reason.

First of all, Palace only have Jaydee Canvot to call upon from the bench to replace Richards, with Chadi Riad stuck on the treatment table.

Also, his teammate and one of his partners in defence, Maxence Lacroix, is going through a rough spell.

The Frenchman struggled noticeably in the loss to Leeds United over the weekend, then in a poor showing against Arsenal.

Despite winning most of his duels and making 11 clearances versus Arsenal, Lacroix would score an own goal and miss the crucial penalty that lost Palace the tie.

If Palace had more options, Glasner might have considered dropping Lacroix for a few games, but the thinness at the back and Richards’ injury mean he’ll likely start the next game.

The club might decide to rummage the transfer market for another defensive addition to bolster the rearguard this winter.