Crystal Palace injury latest: Wharton, Sarr and Nketiah updates ahead of West Ham clash
After edging past Millwall on penalties in the EFL Cup, Crystal Palace turn their attention back to the Premier League with a trip to West Ham on Saturday. However, Oliver Glasner’s side head into the fixture with several fitness concerns.
Adam Wharton, Ismaïla Sarr and Eddie Nketiah are all doubtful as they continue recovery from injuries, while at least three other first-team players are also sidelined.
Wharton, Sarr and Nketiah fitness updates
Wharton picked up an adductor problem during Palace’s 3-0 win over Aston Villa, which ruled him out of both England duty and last weekend’s goalless draw against Sunderland. Sarr has been struggling with a hamstring issue that also kept him out of that match, while Nketiah is yet to feature this season due to a similar problem.
Speaking before the Sunderland game, Glasner suggested Wharton and Nketiah may have an outside chance of making the West Ham clash, though Sarr is expected to be unavailable until at least the Liverpool fixture at Selhurst Park on 27 September.
Long-term absentees
Defender Chadi Riad, sidelined since January with an ACL injury, has returned to light training on grass and remains on course for a comeback in October or November. Glasner has stressed, however, that Palace will not rush the 22-year-old back into action.
Cheick Doucouré is also still recovering from a major knee injury, with his return timeline expected to mirror Riad’s, though the Malian midfielder has yet to resume training.
Meanwhile, teenage full-back Caleb Kporha is nearing a comeback from the back injury that ruled him out of pre-season. The 19-year-old could be available for Liverpool, but Saturday’s game comes too soon.
Squad outlook
Other than their ongoing injury list, Palace appear to have no fresh concerns after their midweek cup win and will otherwise have a strong squad available for the London Stadium trip.
