An injury crisis has struck Crystal Palace, and the latest casualty is Maxence Lacroix. The French defender is a doubt for his side’s encounter with Wolverhampton Wanderers today (February 22nd).
Lacroix picked up an adductor issue in the 1-1 draw against Zrinjski Mostar midweek. He complained to Oliver Glasner at half-time before he was brought off midway through the second half.
With the 25-year-old looking unlikely to be available, Glasner is forced to turn to 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot. This is not the only defensive issue he must deal with, as Chadi Riad might also sit out the Wolves game.
Crystal Palace problems grow
English reporter Bobby Manzi reports that Riad could be left out of the team due to concerns over his game time. The Moroccan is fasting, and there is a feeling that two games in three days is a “step too far.”
That gives Glasner another defensive headache, and the obvious solution would be to use a back four. The Austrian doesn’t appear to be prepared to adapt, as he is considering using wing-backs Tyrick Mitchell or Daniel Munoz in a back three.
Glasner has preferred a 3-4-2-1 formation throughout his time in charge. Even in such a dire situation as missing three central defenders, he isn’t willing to change.
Nathaniel Clyne seems a good option to play in central defence, allowing Munoz and Mitchell to provide width. He appears to be weighing up moving Mitchell centrally and playing Borna Sosa at left wing-back.
A back four makes more sense, given that his players can then play in their preferred positions. A backline of Munoz, Chris Richards, Canvot and Mitchell should be the thinking.
Palace take on a Wolves side who sit rock-bottom in the Premier League table. Rob Edwards’ men have won just one of 27 games and taken just 10 points.
Edwards focuses on crossing, which could cause issues with a wing-back in central defence. His persistence with a back-three might come back to bite him.
Glasner on Riad’s potential absence
Riad was sidelined with a cruciate ligament injury at the start of the season and only returned in January. He played 45 minutes in a 3-2 loss to Burnley last weekend, and the majority of Thursday’s Zrinjski draw.
Glasner spoke about the situation ahead of the Wolves game. He told Manzi:
“Tyrick Mitchell is an option, that’s how we finished against Mostar. We have Chadi Riad, Chris Richards and Jaydee Canvot. I don’t know if Chadi can play twice in three days after such a long period out.”
Glasner suggested he could turn to Ismaila Sarr, who scored midweek, to play as a wing-back:
“Daniel Munoz is an option playing inside, with Ismaila Sarr at wing-back. These are the options. We have no more.”
Palace’s dismal run of form has put a ton of pressure on Glasner ahead of today’s game. The board discussed his short-term future on Friday
Glasner’s men have just one win in 15 games across competitions. He hasn’t been helped by constant injury setbacks, and losing Lacroix is a huge blow.
