- Crystal Palace reach Conference League semi-finals
- Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix injured
- Oliver Glasner gives update on duo
Oliver Glasner has spoken optimistically about Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix after the duo were forced off in Crystal Palace’s 2-1 loss (4-2 win on aggregate) against Fiorentina. The pair both picked up injuries in the first half.
Wharton went down clutching his adductor just before Fiorentina scored a penalty to equalise. The delay eventually led to the English midfielder heading off the pitch and looking upset.
Another headache arrived when Lacroix was left floored and it appeared that the French defender would require a stretcher. But he managed to play on for a brief period before signalling to the bench to come off.
Glasner on Wharton and Lacroix
Glasner has now given an update on the duo and told TNT Sports that he’s hopeful Wharton would be okay, although he’ll be further assessed:
“Adam, it’s his adductor, yes, again, when he had to leave the England camp. It doesn’t look so serious but we have to assess him further.”
On Lacroix, Glasner said:
“Maxence, it was like a foot to foot, and he felt his knee. I think the medial ligament. It’s painful. Unfortunately we play in four games again.”
Both Wharton and Lacroix have dreams of heading to the World Cup with England and France, respectively. Sustaining a serious injury at this stage of the season can have devastating repercussions for their desire to compete in the international tournament.
For Palace, the pair are two of Glasner’s most important players and losing them for a period would be a massive blow. The Eagles turn their focus to West Ham United in the Premier League on Sunday and it seems unlikely either will play even if fit as there are now more important games on the horizon.
Glasner Thrilled
Injuries aside, it was a job well done for Palace as they booked their place in the semi-finals of the Conference League. They will face Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk for a place in the final in Leipzig.
Ismaila Sarr gave the visitors the lead with a fine early header after a Daniel Munoz cross. But a contentious penalty call saw Albert Guðmundsson equalise from the spot before half-time.
Cher Ndour made it 2-1 for Fiorentina, but the Italians couldn’t find another goal. The South Londoners celebrated reaching the semi-finals.
Glasner admitted it was a tough night:
“Admittedly a lot tougher than it could have been… Fiorentina got the belief back, and yeah, it was a really difficult game to manage to be honest.”
Glasner added:
“To go to the semi-finals, it’s a massive achievement. For the players it’s a massive achievement for Crystal Palace and we will enjoy tonight.”
Palace were quite comfortable until Wharton and Lacroix’s injuries took hold. The loss didn’t matter as the 3-0 win back at Selhurst Park proved decisive.
The celebrations started when the final whistle went and Dean Henderson led them. Hopefully he’ll be leading his team to a first-ever European trophy.
