Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Matheus Franca will not be involved when Crystal Palace face Luton Town on Saturday.
The 49-year-old made the comments when speaking in his press conference earlier on Friday.
So, what did Oliver Glasner say about Crystal Palace No.11 Matheus Franca? Let’s take a look…
Oliver Glasner confirms Matheus Franca absence
Well, this is disappointing news.
Glasner revealed that Franca has an issue with his groin, and will not be able to take part in Saturday’s Premier League clash against the Hatters – nor will Jeffrey Schlupp.
The Austrian is quoted by Crystal Palace’s official website as saying: “We will miss Franca tomorrow. He has a problem with his groin, but Jeffrey Schlupp had the training session today.
“He won’t be in the squad tomorrow, but then we have three weeks with no game, and after the national team break I expect him (Schlupp) to be back in the squad.”
Glasner added that Eberechi Eze and Will Hughes have both come through the week of training unscathed following fitness problems.
Crystal Palace fans will feel disappointed
In our view, this is very frustrating news.
Franca changed the game for us after coming off the bench against Burnley, prior to last week’s 3-1 defeat against Tottenham.
The Brazilian assisted Jordan Ayew to make it 2-0 and then won a penalty for Jean-Philippe Mateta to put the Eagles 3-0 ahead.
It was hard for Franca to do similar against a strong Spurs side, so this Saturday’s clash with Luton Town represented a chance for the £40,000-a-week man to really build on his cameo against Burnley.
Unfortunately, the South American will now have to wait, as a three-week break annoyingly beckons after Saturday’s game.
Hopefully, Franca – who recently praised Glasner – does not suffer any setbacks across the next three weeks, and can make an impact against Nottingham Forest on Saturday 30th March when the Premier League returns.
