Oliver Glasner shares worrying update on £20m star, Crystal Palace must bite the bullet

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Crystal Palace heads into this weekend looking to make it one win in eight, but one-star player might be best off being left out.

Oliver Glasner has had two weeks to mull over his team selection and formations, with the next four league games likely to be deciding as to whether the Eagles will be in the market for a new manager.

Sitting 18th in the Premier League, the Crystal Palace manager will be well aware that he needs to do better and with two favourable games in the next three – we are expecting to be in a far better position this time next month.

However, this all starts with a trip to face Nottingham Forest on Monday night at the City Ground – although they are yet to actually win at home this season.

For the Eagles manager, any kind of season revival may have to come without his most impactful midfielder who may be fit but needs to be left out for his own good.

• READ MORE: Meet Oliver Glasner, the Europa League expert turned Crystal Palace manager

Oliver Glasner shares concerning update on Adam Wharton

Among the most important players at Selhurst Park right now is £20m man Adam Wharton and this season he has been a problem for Glasner.

Wharton has been injured for practically this entire season so far, with injections needed to get the Eagles star through games.

Against Liverpool last time out, Wharton was awful. But after his performance, it was clear that injuries were the root cause, with Wharton dropping out of England U21 duty.

Now, speaking in his pre-Forest press conference Glasner has suggested Wharton will be available this game week against Nuno Espirito Santo.

“We have to manage him. It’s always an up and down. He trained quite well this week. He’s OK”.

But there was more, with Glasner issuing a concerning admission that it “doesn’t look like” Wharton’s injury problems will simply “disappear” when journalists asked him if these problems would be ongoing.

Wharton has seen a specialist and despite his availability this weekend, it is about whether he has surgery or not.

With the news Wharton needs surgery, the logical thing would be to let the youngster get the work he needs as it will benefit him and the Eagles long term.

The way Wharton is playing right now is of no benefit to Crystal Palace, so it’s best if Glasner and Steve Parish just bite the bullet and let him get surgery before welcoming him back in 2025.

• READ MORE: Who is Adam Wharton? The £22m Crystal Palace and England youngster tipped for the top

Crystal Palace team news vs Forest

Glasner was not only discussing Wharton, with Cheick Doucoure also on the mind.

“No new injuries”, Glasner confidently told the press who had gathered at Copers Cope.

However, he did add that a Doucoure return on Monday was unlikely.

“But also no injured players coming back. Looks like Cheick Doucoure will train in parts after the Forest game.”

This means the injured list heading into the Forest game will likely read just; Chadi Riad, Doucoure and Matheus Franca. While there will also be a few uncertainties.