- Chadi Riad came off in Bournemouth 3-0 Crystal Palace
- Moroccan defender afforded rare start
- Oliver Glasner downplays concerns
Oliver Glasner has explained why Chadi Riad came off in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 loss to Bournemouth on Sunday. The Moroccan defender was given a rare start as Glasner opted to rotate ahead of the Shakhtar Donetsk clash on Thursday.
Riad lasted 76 minutes before coming off for Chris Richards, and he hobbled off alongside a medical team staff member. It looked concerning with such an important fixture days away.
Palace host Shakhtar in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League semi-final. The Eagles are 3-1 up on aggregate from the first leg.
Why Riad Came Off
Palace fell to defeat at the Vitality Stadium and Riad was one of five changes Glasner made to his team. He struggled to impress but wasn’t the worst performer on the day.
Riad couldn’t play the full 90 minutes, and it appeared he’d picked up a knock. But his manager has clarified that the Moroccan’s substitution came due to cramp (via Palace Report):
“It wasn’t an issue, he was just suffering from cramp.”
While Riad won’t expect to start against Shakhtar, he is still an important member of Glasner’s squad. He offers backup to Richards, Maxence Lacroix and Jaydee Canvot.
The 22-year-old has started four of seven league games this season, providing an assist. The reason some were worried about his status is due to the centre-back starting the season injured.
Riad came into the campaign recovering from a cruciate ligament tear and didn’t return to action until January. He’s been with Palace since July 2024 when he arrived from Real Betis.
Crystal Palace Injuries
Riad seems okay and ready to be included in Palace’s squad for the second leg against Shakhtar on Thursday night at Selhurst Park. But five players could be absent.
Eddie Nketiah (thigh) is ruled out for the rest of the season, having picked up the injury after returning from a previous hamstring problem. Evann Guessand is making progress after sustaining a knee injury in the 3-0 win over Fiorentina last month.
Will Hughes missed the Bournemouth loss due to illness and Borna Sosa also sat it out due to a minor injury. Glasner has already confirmed that Cheick Doucoure won’t play again this season as he is still recovering from knee surgery.
