Crystal Palace handed Maxence Lacroix injury boost ahead of crunch Conference League clash | OneFootball

Key centre-back set to return for second leg against Zrinjski

Maxence Lacroix has returned to training ahead of Crystal Palace’s Conference League play-off second leg against HSK Zrinjski Mostar.

The 25-year-old, who has been a mainstay at the heart of defence for Palace this season, was pictured in training on Wednesday, with Glasner expected to confirm that he will be available for selection later this afternoon.

Following the departure of club captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City in January, Palace have been left short of options at centre-back.

Lacroix’s return to fitness, therefore, comes as a welcome boost as the Eagles look to seal their place in the Conference League round of 16.

Palace were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw away to HSK Zrinjski Mostar in the first leg of their playoff last week, in a game dominated by rising supporter dissent against Glasner, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season.

The Austrian, who guided Palace to the FA Cup last season, subsequently called for supporters to be humble in what was the latest in a series of explosive comments from the Austrian coach.

A banner was then displayed by Palace supporters at Selhurst Park ahead of their stoppage-time victory over Wolves, in which they said Glasner was “finished” and also criticised the club’s board.

Glasner, though, has since insisted that he is “here 100 per cent to be successful for Crystal Palace”, adding that it was okay for fans to be critical of his team.