Eberechi Eze with Oliver Glasner
Image credit: Getty Images
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has revealed the reason behind Eberechi Eze’s absence from their Europa Conference League play-off squad against Fredrikstad on Thursday.
Many had thought Eze was left out of the match because of his imminent move to Arsenal, but Glasner has come out to boldly clear the air.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the Austrian coach revealed that he had expected Eze to start the match, but that things changed a few hours before the match.
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The Austrian coach added that Eze had called him on the morning of the game to inform him that he wasn’t feeling well enough to play.
Glasner admitted that he had expected Eze to feature prominently in the match, but he had to accept the player’s decision.
“Honestly, I expected that he would start today for us,” Glasner said in an interview with Channel 5. “But he called me this morning and told me that he doesn’t feel well to play. I have to accept it, and everything else you have to ask the chairman.”
The Austrian coach acknowledged the disruption caused by Eze’s absence, particularly given the significance of the match as Crystal Palace’s European debut.
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However, he emphasised that his focus was on the players who were available and ready to step in.
Meanwhile, striker Jean-Philippe Mateta emphasised that the squad would have to adapt without their star attacker.
Eberechi Eze
Eberechi Eze (Image credit: Getty Images)
“We know he’s a very good player, one of the best in our group. Everyone knows this,” Mateta said. “He’s not going to be here today, but we have a big group of talented players that will give 100 per cent.”
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to the Gunners for some time, and it appears that the deal is close to being finalised.
According to reports, Arsenal swooped in to sign Eze after Tottenham Hotspur had agreed terms with both Palace and the player.
The transfer is reportedly worth £60 million, plus £8 million in bonuses. Eze is expected to join Arsenal on Friday to complete his medical, and he will likely make his debut for the Gunners in the coming weeks.
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