Crystal Palace are set for a busy run-in after beating Fiorentina 3-0 at Selhurst Park on Thursday night
Oliver Glasner speaking after Crystal Palace vs Fiorentina
Oliver Glasner has given an update on his Crystal Palace squad(Image: UEFA via Getty Images)
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Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is confident his players have the energy levels to compete on two fronts for the remainder of the season despite confirming striker Eddie Nketiah won't return this term after injury. Glasner’s side welcome Newcastle to Selhurst Park on Sunday, fresh off a statement 3-0 win at home to Fiorentina in the first leg of their Conference League quarter-final.
First-half goals from Jean-Philippe Mateta and Tyrick Mitchell put the Eagles in control against their Italian opponents before Ismaila Sarr headed home a late third. Lively substitute Yeremy Pino might even have made it four, and the performance gave the London side plenty to be encouraged by as they prepare to head to Florence after this weekend's league outing.
“We are not planning to rotate massively, because I'm just convinced, first of all, the players are fresh now - or fresher,” Glasner said. “And the best preparation for every single game is a good performance and a good result in the game beforehand.
“This is how we want to go to Florence, with a good performance and a good result. And therefore we need fresh players and of course, a good performance.”
The Austrian boss saw his Eintracht Frankfurt side fall off in the Bundesliga when they won the Europa League in 2022 but believes things are different for the Eagles after three weeks between matches. “We had the break in Germany around Christmas and then we didn't have the same now,” he added.
“We’ve had a good break, good recovery, and players look fresh. But if I feel it's necessary to rotate six players, I will rotate six players because we never [want to] risk any injuries.”
Jorgen Strand Larsen after AEK Larnaca vs Crystal Palace
Jorgen Strand Larsen is back for Palace after suspension(Image: Getty Images)
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Record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen will be available again after missing Thursday night’s win through suspension and could return against opponents who tried to sign him themselves over the summer. “He doesn't need any extra motivation,” Glasner said when asked about that Newcastle interest. He's always motivated and that's how he’s been from day number one.”
Strand Larsen could replace Jean-Philippe Mateta, who will be assessed by Palace’s medical team after a first start since January to see how his body reacted to the exertions. Evann Guessand is also in line for checks, having gone off after taking a hit against Fiorentina. However, there will be no return for Nketiah, with Glasner confirming the former Arsenal star's season is over.
"Now his deadline is not Newcastle or Florence, now his deadline should be when the new pre-season starts, that he he's in the best shape, that he can really train the full preseason with a new manager," Glasner said. "Because that's what he he deserves, what he needs. Constant training, constant games to get back to match fitness, and we will support him."
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