Crystal Palace have been dealt a series of blows in recent weeks with injuries beginning to pile up.
Despite results on the pitch beginning to see improvements, off it there have been some serious blows to the chances of Crystal Palace picking up all three points this weekend.
It all started last week when both Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze were ruled out injured by Oliver Glasner in the wake of the 2-1 win over Aston Villa in the Carabao Cup – they are part of an eight-man injured list.
Wharton has undergone surgery already and is on the road to recovery – while Eze is expected to be out until later this month.
After last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Wolves, Eddie Nketiah was added to the injured list as it has emerged he’s picked up a hamstring injury.
Oliver Glasner on Eddie Nketiah injury
Earlier this week, as the Eagles reeled from a disappointing 2-2 draw with Wolves and injuries to both Wharton and Eze further bad news was added.
This came in the form of Nketiah’s injury blow which has seen the £25m summer signing now out of this weekend’s game against Fulham.
Nketiah is believed to have suffered the injury during a private session with a personal performance specialist.
However, the blame for the injury has now been absorbed by Glasner during his pre-Fulham press conference.
“I think it was my mistake, my fault, that I didn’t sub him earlier in the Wolves game.”
When quizzed further about the differing reasons for the injury, Glasner had a snappy answer: “I always trust my players, so why should I trust a strange source instead of my players?”
Oliver Glasner must now use the youth for Crystal Palace
The injury to Nketiah is far from ideal for Glasner, however, does almost force him into making a decision which will be very popular among fans.
Starting Asher Agbinone on the left side of the attack against Fulham could create a new phenom for Crystal Palace.
Agbinone impressed in limited minutes against Nottingham Forest this season which left Crystal Palace supporters asking for the academy whiz to be given more minutes.
The 19-year-old also impressed against Premier League opposition in pre-season, when he scored against Wolves in a 3-1 win.
Fans want to see Agbinone start, and now Glasner has no excuse to not oblige as he may face an uproar if Jeffrey Schlupp is opted for.
