- Crystal Palace duo injured vs Fiorentina
- Adam Wharton hobbled off in 33rd minute
- Maxence Lacroix also came off in 42nd minute
Adam Wharton and Maxence Lacroix were both injured in Crystal Palace’s UEFA Conference League quarter-final second leg clash with Fiorentina. The pair both started the game but was brought off during the first half.
Palace took a 1-0 lead through Ismaila Sarr, who headed home a fine Daniel Munoz cross in the 17th minute. But drama unfolded at the half-hour mark when the hosts were awarded a penalty.
Jaydee Canvot was guilty of kicking Rolando Mandragora, and Spanish referee Jesus Gil Manzano pointed to the spot. In the midst of this, Wharton went down with an issue and the medical staff attended to him.
Palace Duo Injured vs Fiorentina
The penalty was delayed, and Wharton eventually hobbled off the pitch in the 33rd minute. Jefferson Lerma came on in his place, and it’s a massive headache for Glasner.
Wharton’s injury won’t only be a concern for Palace but potentially England manager Thomas Tuchel. The former Blackburn Rovers man is desperate to earn a place in the Three Lions’ squad.
Fiorentina equalised from the spot through Albert Guðmundsson, and the night didn’t get any better for the visitors on the injury front. Lacroix also required medical attention, and a stretcher was readied.
Lacroix tried to play on but signalled to the bench that he couldn’t continue. Chadi Riad came on in his place, but the Frenchman was able to walk down the touchline and applaud the fans.
The 26-year-old is another member of Glasner’s squad who is eyeing a World Cup call-up. He represented France during the March break, but there have already been suggestions that he isn’t likely to win a spot on the plane to North America.
Worrying Times
Palace were well represented during the international break and Wharton put in a fine display in a 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay at Wembley. He offers a different profile to many other English midfielders vying for a place in Tuchel’s squad.
The good news is that Lacroix was able to sit on the bench and watch his teammates after coming on. That might indicate that his injury isn’t too serious.
The bad news is while Wharton sat on the bench for the rest of the first half he didn’t for the second. We await an update regarding his situation.
If the Palace star were to be out for a significant period, it could really harm the Eagles’ Conference League aspirations should they go through. He’s been a mainstay in Glasner’s midfield this season, putting in excellent displays.
Lacroix has been equally important at the back, and losing him would be a disaster. The Frenchman has stepped up following Marc Guehi’s departure in January, continuing to be a leader alongside Canvot and Chris Richards.
