Crystal Palace have been dealt an injury blow ahead of their Premier League clash against Newcastle after 'brand new' information
Palace sweep Fiorentina aside in convincing European display
Palace's first European campaign moved to within touching distance of a semi-final on Thursday night, when Jean-Philippe Mateta's penalty, a Tyrick Mitchell finish and a late Ismaila Sarr header put three goals past Fiorentina at Selhurst Park.
Mateta-Kamada-Munoz-Crystal-Palace
The impressive result puts one Eagles foot firmly in the last four of the Conference League.
Mateta, making his first start since January after a knee problem and a turbulent spell that saw him publicly push for a move to AC Milan, ended a goal drought with his spot-kick and was given a warm reception by supporters when he was substituted late in the game.
Defender Chris Richards confirmed the ambition in the dressing room after the game, saying the club wants to get to the final, with the confidence built from last season's FA Cup and Community Shield wins feeding into a squad that now believes silverware is a realistic target.
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The second leg takes place in Florence next week, with Fiorentina needing to produce something extraordinary to overturn the deficit.
Palace next host Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday, before thoughts can fully turn to Tuscany.
With that double-header in mind, Oliver Glasner has now had to accept that one players who had been working towards a return will play no further part this season.
Crystal Palace dealt major Eddie Nketiah blow ahead of Newcastle
Eddie Nketiah has been absent since Palace's match against Tottenham at the end of December.
Eddie Nketiah Crystal Palace
The striker looked to be nearing his comeback — he was on the training pitch as recently as Wednesday, two minutes from the end of the session — before pulling up with another hamstring problem and having to leave.
The latest setback has ended any realistic prospect of him featuring again this term.
Glasner confirmed after the Fiorentina match that Nketiah would not be back until pre-season.
“Yes, Eddie, unfortunately, was the end to the season, so he won't return until the new season starts,” Glasner said.
“I didn't speak to him because he had a scan yesterday evening, and I think the doctor called me at night and in the evening when I watched the Champions League games.
“I (just) got this information, so it's brand new and of course today it was preparing the team, but of course tomorrow I will speak to him, and then we will decide what's best."
The news is a blow, but it arrives in a week when Palace have every reason for optimism.
A three-goal cushion over Fiorentina, a squad that has grown in confidence through the European run, and a home form that Glasner described as "something special" all point to a club building on its foundations rather than running out of steam.
Jørgen Strand Larsen returns from suspension for Sunday's visit to Newcastle, which gives the attack fresh options as the season heads into its final stretch.
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