Oliver Glasner looks set to be able to name his strongest Crystal Palace side against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig next week, with the exception of Chris Richards.
The United States international injured his ankle during the 2-2 draw against Brentford last time out, having been introduced as a substitute for Maxence Lacroix in the 61st minute.
Glasner revealed in his press conference on Thursday that Richards had torn two ligaments in his ankle – putting his spot in the team for the UEFA Conference League final in real doubt – and sources close to the Crystal Palace No.26 have now shared a concerning update with The Athletic.
Who should replace Richards in the back three? 🤔
Any wildcard suggestions besides Lerma and Riad? 👀
UEFA Conference League final set to be “a day or two” too soon for Chris Richards
It very much sounds as if Glasner will have to lean on Jefferson Lerma or Chadi Riad to start in place of Richards against Rayo Vallecano.
Sources close to the American inform The Athletic that – while he should be “good” to feature in the World Cup this summer – the clash against Rayo Vallecano will come “a day or two” too soon for the former Bayern Munich defender.
It leaves Crystal Palace and Richards – who Eddie Nketiah admires – with two options.
The 26-year-old can either push himself and take a painkilling injection to play against Rayo Vallecano, although that could worsen the injury and put his World Cup spot in jeopardy.
Alternatively, Crystal Palace can let Richards rest, and call upon either Lerma or Riad to take his spot on the right side of the back three.
Lerma memorably delivered a heroic 40-minute display in the FA Cup final after Marc Guehi was forced off with an eye injury, so he is capable of stepping up on the big occasion.
The Colombia international is, however, a central midfielder by trade, so it would be risky to give him 90 minutes – possibly 120 minutes – in the centre of defence against Rayo Vallecano.
Riad is a natural centre-back, but struggled quite badly with injuries in the first half of the season and has consequently made just 12 appearances across all competitions.
Who deserves to start up top in the UEFA Conference League final? 🤔
Glasner seems to trust Mateta more at the moment… 👀
Fortunately for us, the decision is not ours to make, but Glasner will surely be sweating – given how important Richards is to the backline.
