Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner Discusses Player Updates and Arsenal Match

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner addressed the media in advance of Wednesday’s Carabao Cup quarter-final match against Arsenal. The following are the main points from his press conference: Glasner offered an update on the fitness of Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eberechi Eze, stating: “JP [Mateta] is OK. We will take the final decision tomorrow with Eze, but it looks quite good.” He confirmed that midfielder Adam Wharton has not yet returned to full training, adding: “I think it will take a few weeks until he is available.” Glasner affirmed his intention to field a strong team, stating: “Of course. It’s the quarter-final of a cup competition. Every single game we call up the fittest team and tomorrow will be the same. If somebody is tired, they will get a break to rest.” Regarding Eddie Nketiah, who transferred to Palace from the Gunners, Glasner commented: “I’m pretty sure he will get minutes in his old stadium. He’s very ambitious and he’s working hard. He had a very positive impact at Brighton – we got the game in more control. He wants to score and I see that every day in training.” Addressing Wednesday’s opponents, he remarked: “I think it’s possible [that we win]. They have been struggling a few weeks ago but now injured players are coming back and their form has got better and better.” He further detailed the Gunners’ strengths, saying: “They have a clear structure – wide wingers [who are] good in the one v ones and half spaces, going in behind, early crosses. They are very dominant in possession and have a very good balance. Mikel Arteta is a fantastic manager.”