Crystal Palace has officially announced that Welsh midfielder Joe Ledley is set to miss the FA Cup Final against Manchester United at Wembley on May 21 due to an injury he suffered against Stoke City on Saturday.
Ledley suffered a suspected Achilles injury in the weekend’s 2-1 win against Stoke, which was then confirmed to be more serious than originally thought.
The club released a small statement about the 29-year-old saying:
He will be continually assessed over the next few weeks by the club’s medical staff.
However, although Crystal Palace has ruled out the midfielder, Wales’ international team have yet to dismiss him. In an interview with BBC Sport, a Football Association of Wales spokesperson told them that:
As far as we are concerned he still has a chance of playing in the Euros. Obviously our cut-off point is 31 May [UEFA’s deadline for final 23-man squads].
The final Welsh squad for the Euros will officially be announced at the end of May, giving Ledley until the end of the month to heal from his injury. However, Wales will travel to Portugal on the 23rd of May for a pre-tournament training camp, something Ledley should strive to make.
Following the final squad announcement, Wales will take on Sweden away on June 5th as their last friendly before the start of Euro 2016.
Ledley has been a huge part of both Crystal Palace and the historic Wales side, but this Achilles injury could prohibit the big-bearded midfielder from making an appearance. Crystal Palace already has a massive challenge against Manchester United in the final and the lack of the Welshman could end up disastrous for the Eagles.
In addition, with Wales attempting to break historic records, the loss of a star center midfielder could prove to be a difficult issue.
