---
title: "Crystal Palace vs Wolves: Glasner stubborn response to injury blow"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/02/22/crystal-palace-vs-wolves-glasner-stubborn-injury-football-soccer/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Matt Guyett"
section: "Articles"
published: "2026-02-22T11:10:02Z"
modified: "2026-02-22T11:40:51Z"
---

# Crystal Palace vs Wolves: Glasner stubborn response to injury blow

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](https://x.com/BobbyManzi/status/2025337525532066097)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.”

> 🆕 Chadi Riad could be left out of the Crystal Palace XI to face Wolves tomorrow, with concerns that two games in three days would be a step too far for the centre-back. The Moroccan international is also fasting.\
> \
> With Maxence Lacroix doubtful and Jefferson Lerma out, Oliver…
>
> — Bobby Manzi (@BobbyManzi) [February 21, 2026](https://twitter.com/BobbyManzi/status/2025337525532066097?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)

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.”*

[I'M JUST NOT GOOD ENOUGH RIGHT NOW! Oliver Glasner Press Conference | Crystal Palacev Wolves (embedded)](https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Lhjx86JAKgI?feature=oembed)

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.