Glasner Addresses Player Injuries, Team Stability, and Offensive Efficiency Ahead of Brighton Match

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner addressed the media in advance of Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Brighton, scheduled for a 14:00 GMT kick-off. Key points from his press conference included: Midfielder Adam Wharton is unavailable for selection due to a reaction experienced following “intense” training sessions on Wednesday and Thursday. Glasner expressed optimism for Wharton’s return for the match against Arsenal on Saturday, 21 December. Defender Joel Ward is also improbable to play, having encountered calf issues. Glasner confirmed that Matheus Franca continues his rehabilitation, stating that “if everything goes in the right direction”, he is expected to rejoin team training in the New Year. He expressed hope for the recovery of several injured players in the upcoming weeks, noting that the team “will need all of them in this busy period.” Regarding midfielder Will Hughes, who performed well against Manchester City, Glasner stated: “He’s not just a performer – he’s also a leader in the dressing room. His passing, his fighting spirit and he’s one of the few players who is talking on the pitch. Every manager is looking for some guys who are talking on the pitch – he’s one of them – so he’s very important for our game.” He commented that Palace “are more stable” now compared to the beginning of the season, but emphasized that “it’s not about leaning back and relaxing” as improvements are still necessary. Addressing areas for his team’s continued improvement, Glasner remarked: “We have to improve our efficiency in front of the goal. We can be more clinical with the final pass, with finishing and with how we attack.” He stated that the Brighton match “is important for our fans, so it’s important for us and we go there to take the win.” When asked about expectations for Fabian Hurzeler’s team, Glasner noted: “It’s not too easy to prepare for this game because they are quite flexible. On the other side, especially in the last games, they conceded several goals and so there will be also be chances for us.”