Crystal Palace are preparing to be busy after beating Fiorentina 3-0 at Selhurst Park on Thursday night.
Oliver Glasner gives an update on the Crystal Palace squad (Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is confident his players have the energy level to compete in the remaining two fronts of the season, despite confirming that striker Eddie Nketiah will not return this season due to injury. Glasner’s side welcome Newcastle to Selhurst Park on Sunday, fresh off a 3-0 home win over Fiorentina in the first leg of the Conference League quarter-finals.
First-half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell put the Eagles in control over their Italian opponents, with Ismaila Sarr heading home a third late on. Lively substitute Jeremy Pino could have scored four goals, and his performance gave plenty of encouragement to the London side as they prepare to travel to Florence after this weekend’s league match.
“We’re not planning a huge rotation because, first of all, I believe our players are as fresh as they are now, or even more so,” Glasner said. “And the best preparation for every match is to have good performances and good results in the matches beforehand.
“This is why we want to go to Florence with good performances and good results. So we need fresh players and of course we also need good performances.”
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The Austrian coach watched his club Eintracht Frankfurt languish in the Bundesliga when they won the Europa League in 2022, but believes things will be different for the Eagles after three weeks between games. “In Germany we had a holiday around Christmas, but not now,” he added.
“We’ve had a good rest, we’ve had a good recovery and the players are looking fresh. But if I feel like I need to rotate six players, I’m going to rotate six players because I never want to risk an injury.”
Jorgen Strand Larsen returns to Palace from suspension (Image: Getty Images)
Record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen is available again after missing Thursday night’s win due to suspension and could return against the side he tried to sign himself over the summer. Asked about his interest in Newcastle, Glasner said: “He doesn’t need extra motivation.” He’s always been highly motivated and has been since day one. ”
Strand Larsen could replace Jean-Philippe Mateta, who will be examined by Palace’s medical team after making his first start since January to see how his body has responded to the exercise. Evan Gessando, who was sent off after taking a hit against Fiorentina, will also be checked. However, Nketiah never returned and Glasner confirmed the former Arsenal star’s season was over.
“His deadline now is not Newcastle or Florence. His deadline now should be when the new pre-season starts, when he is at his best and can really train the whole pre-season under a new manager,” Glasner said. “That’s what he deserves and that’s what he needs. Continued training, continued matches to get back to match fitness. And we will support him.”
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