Oliver Glasner ‘not 100% convinced’ about fitness levels of Crystal Palace player

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Oliver Glasner has been speaking in his press conference ahead of the Premier League clash between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth on Saturday.

The Austrian praised the likes of Ismaila Sarr, Yeremy Pino, Jefferson Lerma and Jean-Philippe Mateta after they scored for their respective nations during the international break.

However, there was a slight negative as Oliver Glasner suggested Chadi Riad has endured a minor setback in his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Oliver Glasner admits he “expected” Chadi Riad to already be back in training

The Morocco international has not featured for Crystal Palace since the 1-0 FA Cup third round win over Stockport back in January, having suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage in training.

Glasner has now revealed he is taking a cautious approach over Riad, with the official CPFC website quoting him as saying: No (return to training yet) unfortunately. We expected him now, but it takes maybe one, two more weeks… we don’t take any kind of risks because the worst thing that can happen is he starts training, and maybe then he has to go out of the training again.

“This makes you crazy as a player, so we want it that he stays in training with us. We’re not 100% convinced, so that’s why we said, okay, give him one or two more weeks.”

Glasner added that he expects Riad – who the Eagles disappointed in 2024 – to return to training once Crystal Palace get past a congested run of four games in the next nine days.

Chadi Riad could save Crystal Palace millions

The Moroccan arrived from Barcelona in June 2024 to much excitement after Dougie Freedman sealed a £14m deal.

Unfortunately, Riad has only managed to make three appearances in total since his move, but is still just 22 years of age and can boast tremendous potential.

If the Crystal Palace No.34 can overcome his injury problems and impress in training, it could save Steve Parish a fortune when Marc Guehi leaves in July 2026.

We Are Palace understand Matt Hobbs is looking at Charlie Cresswell as the Eagles prepare to lose the club captain on a free transfer, while reports in Italy say Inter Milan defender Yann Bisseck is also a target.

Those players are expected to cost at least £20m each, so if Riad can prove himself to Glasner, that spot on the left of the back three is his for the taking and could alleviate the need for a new signing.