Crystal Palace could be handed a huge injury boost this week ahead of Sunday’s game against West Ham United.
For Oliver Glasner, the past three games have seen some interesting centre-half decisions, to say the least.
Against Bournemouth, he substituted David Ozoh onto the field in that position, while against Liverpool Nathaniel Clyne got the nod.
All this while, it’s been Joachim Andersen who cost the club just £17m and has been the only natural central defender at the club.
But now, Chris Richards has sent an update on when we can expect him to return, which will be huge for Glasner.
Chris Richards shares when he expects his injury return
Speaking in an interview with club media which was published on Thursday, Palace’s American international has discussed his current injury woes.
The centre-back has been injured since facing Nottingham Forest which has seen him miss games against both Bournemouth, Manchester City and that win against Liverpool.
The absence he’s described as “frustrating” but there now seems to be a chance he’s in line for his return, after he provided an update.
“I have a knee injury. Hopefully, what we’re aiming for is West Ham.
“I’m just kind of taking it day by day, hoping that it continues to heal and that’s what I’m aiming for, at least, is the West Ham game.”
We have to mention, that the article from Palace mentions this interview was done prior to the Liverpool game, and a return against West Ham is not yet confirmed.
Oliver Glasner now has a dilemma at Crystal Palace
For Glasner, the return of Richards will be a big boost ahead of the final six games of this season.
Before his injury, his position was on the left of the back three, but since then, Jefferson Lerma has been phenomenal there, much to the surprise of many.
Lerma has locked down that position and having faced the league’s two best teams, there’s no reason he can’t play there as opposed to having Clyne or Ward in the back three upon Richards’ return.
So if Richards is good to play, we’d like to see a back three of Richards, Andersen and Lerma until Guehi is back when Lerma can return to central-midfield.
