Oliver Glasner values versatility, and that’s been evident throughout his reign at Crystal Palace. The Austrian has been prepared to use players in unfamiliar positions to deal with injuries or a lack of depth.
When Maxence Lacroix picked up an adductor injury last week, Glasner suggested he could use Daniel Munoz or Tyrick Mitchell in central defence. He wanted to continue with his three-at-the-back system even if that meant moving a wing-back centrally.
Glasner didn’t have to, as Chadi Riad was able to play and teenage prospect Jaydee Canvot started in a 1-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. If Jefferson Lerma was available for that game, he’d probably have been used as a makeshift centre-back.
Palace’s Mr Adaptable
Lerma has dropped into central defence in six of his last eight league appearances. The veteran Colombian midfielder last performed the role in the 3-2 loss to Burnley two weeks ago.
The 31-year-old sustained a hamstring injury in the defeat at Turf Moor and missed the Wolves win. He also sat out the 1-1 draw against Bosnian minnows Zrinjski Mostar last Thursday.
Lerma gave an update on his fitness in an interview with ESPN and suggested he doesn’t feel fully comfortable in defence:
“It was not something new, I had already done it. If you make me choose, I prefer to play as a defensive midfielder.”
Lerma is a holding midfielder by trade and has spent years in the Premier League, anchoring Palace and, previously, Bournemouth. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and Glasner feels he’s a solid option to use at centre-back when others are enduring injury problems.
The Colombian has made 35 appearances across competitions this season, posting five assists. He’s played in central and defensive midfield as well as central defence.
Lerma injury update
The Colombian’s experience and versatility will be crucial for Palace and Glasner as they head into the final stretch of the season. His side will progress to the last 16 of the Europa Conference League if they beat Zrinjski in the second-leg of their play-off tomorrow.
Lerma delved into his recovery from a hamstring injury and shared a timeline for when he expects to return to action. He
“I am fine. Unfortunately we have had a small setback of four weeks, but as these days go by we feel better sensations. We believe we will be back around the week of the 7th or 13th.”
Should Lerma return on the date suggested, he could do so in Palace’s encounter with Leeds United on March 14th. He will also be keen to represent Colombia in their upcoming friendly in preparation for the World Cup.
The South Americans take on Croatia on March 27th, and Lerma will want to add to his 62 caps. He faces an uncertain future beyond this season because his contract expires in June, meaning this might be his final campaign at Selhurst Park.
