Glasner’s confidence boosts as Crystal Palace assess Guehi ahead of United trial
Crystal Palace head into their clash with Manchester United buoyed by clarity over Marc Guehi’s condition and Oliver Glasner’s renewed focus. The Austrian coach tried to reassure fans after the defender’s early withdrawal in the 2-1 defeat to Strasbourg, explaining that the change was part of a controlled plan and not a setback.
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Guehi management plan
Guehi had returned early from England duty due to a foot problem he suffered against AZ Alkmaar, and although he completed the full 90 minutes in the impressive win over Wolves, concerns arose again when he failed to emerge for the second half in Europe. Glasner’s response was clear and immediate.
“Marc was planned in advance, because he couldn’t train for two and a half weeks, he had the 90 minutes last week (against Wolves) and of course he should and will play against Manchester United,” Glasner said after the game.
And he added: “That’s why we had to manage the minutes, so there are no problems with Marc.”
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For Palace, the stability and leadership Guehi provides is crucial to their form in the Premier League, where they have dropped points in just two of their first 12 games. His availability for Sunday strengthens his chances of reinforcing defensive control, particularly against a United side still searching for rhythm.
Updates on injuries and team outlook
Will Hughes also left early in Strasbourg after suffering a knee injury, although the Palace boss offered a cautiously optimistic update on the midfielder’s availability.
IMAGO Photo
“Borna Sosa will miss this game again, but Will (Hughes) doesn’t look too bad, so we have high hopes that he will be in the game day team,” Glasner said. “Everyone else is fine.”
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Hughes’ potential involvement would provide welcome balance in midfield, especially with Palace attempting to regain momentum after their five-match unbeaten run in all competitions came to a halt.
Cutting-edge concerns
Despite the positive news surrounding Guehi, Glasner was open about the challenges his team faces in converting dominance into goals. Palace have built an effective structure under his management, but the difference between control and victory has at times been defined by missed opportunities.
“Once again, it’s the story (of our season). We need more players to score goals, that’s what we know. But on the other hand, nobody does it on purpose, but at the moment it happens too often,” Glasner told TNT Sport.
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He added that relying solely on defensive resilience was unsustainable. “You can’t always count on keeping a clean sheet because the opponent is also doing well, and that would give us a little more time to relax in a game. If you score the second and the third, it won’t cost you anything.”
With Guehi set to return and Glasner reinforcing his message, Palace approach the game against Manchester United with faith, structure and the awareness that more ruthlessness in the final third could elevate them even further.