- Crystal Palace without Eddie Nketiah for rest of season
- Oliver Glasner revealed striker’s injury setback
- The Eagles frontman has endured constant fitness struggles
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Eddie Nketiah will be ruled out for the rest of the season. The English striker has endured an injury-plagued season but there were hopes of him returning after the recent international break.
Nketiah has been sidelined since December and last appeared in a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur. He has dealt with a thigh problem that has seen him sit out the Eagles’ Europa Conference League knockout stages.
The 26-year-old returned to training ahead of last night’s 3-0 win over Fiorentina but endured an injury setback. He will now miss the rest of the campaign in a massive blow for the player and the club.
Nketiah Blow
Glasner gave an update on Nketiah ahead of this Sunday’s encounter with Newcastle United at Selhurst Park. He told reporters (via Bobby Manzi):
“Unfortunately, it’s the end of the season for Eddie Nketiah. He had a scan on Thursday evening and won’t return until the new season starts.”
Nketiah’s Palace spell has been full of injury troubles and it has become a real issue. He was fully fit for most of last season but hasn’t been able to shake off fitness struggles this term.
The English striker joined the club from Arsenal in the summer of 2024 for £25m. He’s made 56 appearances across competitions, posting 11 goals and four assists.
Do Palace Need a Replacement?
Nketiah’s injury history is a major concern and may need to be addressed this summer. That’s even if Jean-Philippe Mateta moves on as expected.
Jorgen Strand Larsen arrived in January and has led the line whenever available, starting ahead of Mateta. The French forward is now backup to the Norweigan after failing a medical ahead of a move to AC Milan in January.
Nketiah’s future might now be a talking point ahead of the summer transfer window. He has just over three years left on his contract, but the South Londoners’ higher-ups will be worried.
One potential was Derby County’s Patrick Agyemang, who has caught the eye in the EFL Championship. But the American has suffered an ACL injury, ruling him out of the World Cup and possibly a move to Selhurst Park.
