Crystal Palace enter the first international break of the Premier League season on a slightly positive note after a difficult start.
The Eagles travelled to Stamford Bridge in search of their first points of the campaign against a Chelsea side in good form.
The Blues took the lead through Nicolas Jackson, but Crystal Palace hit back in the second half thanks to Eberechi Eze.
While either side could’ve found a winner, they had to settle for a point apiece heading into the first international break of the Premier League campaign.
While the deadline day additions didn’t feature, there was also one other first-team player not included in Oliver Glasner’s side.
Oliver Glasner reveals Rob Holding absence from Crystal Palace squad
Defender Rob Holding was not involved in the squad that faced Chelsea, coming as a strange decision to many.
Speaking after the game, Crystal Palace boss Glasner revealed that the former Arsenal man was training away from the rest of the team.
“Rob [Holding] is training individually at the moment,” he revealed after the draw with Chelsea. “We will talk together.
“He knows the reason, but it is something that stays between Rob and me. Nothing public.”
It comes just one year after Holding joined the club from Arsenal, with Crystal Palace paying a transfer fee worth £4m.
The 28-year-old has made just one appearance for the Eagles since making the switch, with injuries heavily impacting his first season.
Crystal Palace defensive depth causes problem for Rob Holding
While it’s unknown exactly why Holding is training separately, it’s clear that the centre-back may struggle to get into the first team under Glasner with the depth he has available.
Summer addition Chadi Riad is a new option – though he is currently injured – while deadline day signings Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah only adds further competition to the area.
Marc Guehi and Chris Richards are another two first-team options in that position who are well established.
Meanwhile, Nathaniel Clyne and Jefferson Lerma have also played at centre-back under Glasner.
It shows the challenge that Holding has to make his way into the starting side, while discussions with the Crystal Palace boss could change the fate of the defender.
Only time will tell what the future holds for the centre-back at Selhurst Park, but he faces a potential battle to get back into the plans.
