Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has warned the Eagles they will be in “big trouble” if they lose captain Marc Guehi before making any further signings.
Eze to leave Crystal Palace for Arsenal
Despite winning the FA Cup and Community Shield, it has been a frustrating summer for those at Selhurst Park. Not much money has been spent, they have been demoted to the Europa Conference League from the Europa League and are now set to lose star attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze.
Eze, who was not involved in the 1-0 Conference League first-leg play-off victory over Fredrikstad, is expected to complete a £60million move to Arsenal.
Talking about Eze’s absence on Thursday evening, Glasner said he revealed he received a phone call from Eze, who said he was not feeling well enough to play.
“I’m responsible for Crystal Palace and I think he won’t play for us again,” said Glasner when asked to confirm whether Eze was heading to the Emirates Stadium. “So I have to prepare the team for Nottingham (Forest, in the Premier League on Sunday) and for the second leg against Fredrikstad, and I’m planning without Eberechi.”
Walter Benitez
PSV Eindhoven
Free
Borna Sosa
Ajax
£3m
Quizzed as to whether Eze was feeling physically or mentally unwell, the Palace boss merely replied: “You have to ask him. Maybe in a few days (you can ask).”
Glasner makes Guehi claim amid Liverpool links
Meanwhile, Guehi, who did play against Fredrikstad, has been linked with a move to Liverpool before the deadline closes. However, talking after the first leg victory, Glasner said Palace would be in “big trouble” if they sold Guehi before replacing him.
“I just know if Marc leaves and he’s not available for Fredrikstad we will have big troubles. It’s pretty clear, we can’t register anyone, so from my side he has to stay.”
Asked if he was referring to just the return trip to Fredrikstad or the whole season, Glasner continued.
“We played with Jefferson Lerma in the back today. He’s a midfield player. We have no centre-back available at the moment, and if Marc leaves, OK, maybe I will try my boots, because I was a centre-back. This could be an option. I will think about it.”