Crystal Palace handed double defensive injury blow ahead of Conference League final | OneFootball

Oliver Glasner loses key pair with European showpiece just ten days away

Crystal Palace’s dreams of Conference League final glory have taken an early knock as Chris Richards and Chadi Riad were both forced off with injuries in Sunday’s draw with Brentford.

It was a challenging afternoon for the Eagles, who twice led in the derby after goals from Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton, but were twice pegged back by Dango Ouattara.

The draw was Palace’s penultimate match before facing Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final, the first continental showpiece in the club’s history.

And they were handed an early setback in pursuit of European glory as they lost two centre-backs to injury as the match wound down.

chadi riad picked up an injury to his left leg

PA

Richards came off the bench in the second-half but was forced off just 29 minutes later. He appeared to be in considerable discomfort as he received treatment and turned emotional as he left the pitch.

"Chris I think twisted his ankle,” he said. “I think Thiago landed on his ankle and then it twisted, it's quite swollen so we have to assess it further, but hopefully he can return in the midweek."

Chris Richards appeared emotional as he walked off

PA

Richards has been a mainstay through this brilliant Palace campaign, making 50 appearances in all competitions. Riad missed much of the campaign through injury, but has impressed in his 12 appearances since returning in January.

The Conference League final in Leipzig will be played on May 27 - just ten days away. Palace must face Arsenal in their Premier League finale first, though.

Glasner will preview that match this week, and should provide an update on the condition of Richards and Riad.

The injuries leave both men’s World Cup campaigns in doubt, too, with Richards expected to suit up for the United States and Riad due to represent Morocco.