- Adam Wharton’s fitness is in doubt ahead of final
- Palace fans await update with baited breathe
- How do Palace line up without him?
Crystal Palace fans await news on Adam Wharton’s fitness ahead of Wednesday’s final, after the midfielder was withdrawn in Palace’s 2-1 defeat to Arsenal on Sunday. A strong challenge from Myles Lewis-Skelley left Wharton with a swollen ankle, which Oliver Glasner admitted left his fitness in limbo.
Wharton’s importance to Palace cannot be put into words. The Englishman was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup in a truly baffling decision, but his contribution for Oliver Glasner this season has been truly phenomenal.
He scored his first goal in red and blue against Brentford in the penultimate game of the Premier League season, and has played a significant role for the Eagles since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers.
With his fitness currently in doubt for Wednesday’s final, Palace will need to prepare for the worst outcome, and must plan ahead for a lineup without Wharton involved.
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Will Wharton miss the final?
Glasner has shared that he is hopeful that Wharton will recover from what he described as a ‘sore ankle’ which he suffered after a poor challenge from Arsenal’s Lewis-Skelley.
Wharton was introduced to the action after half time, in what appeared to be a pre-planned substitute to keep his legs moving. However, he was withdrawn just fifteen minutes later.
“He always gives positive signals”, Glasner said following his final game at Selhurst Park. “Hopefully it’s not too bad and he’s available on Wednesday.”
Glasner admitted that Wharton continued to reassure him that he was okay, but the reality is that if he is injured, he simply won’t be able to contribute in Leipzig.
We still await a final update and look to hear more on Wharton’s fitness in Glasner’s pre-match press conference later today.
How Palace replace Wharton
Palace’s starting midfield duo when at full strength has been Wharton paired with Daichi Kamada. The duo have been significant for Glasner this season, and have formed a strong partnership in the centre of the team.
Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma are the alternatives, and both bring different qualities to the side.
Hughes adds more control and tempo setting to the midfield, whilst Lerma’s defensive work is strong.
The starting partnership will depend on Palace’s analysis of Rayo Vallecano, and where they see the weaknesses to exploit. Vallecano are a physical side, and that may favour Lerma. However, Hughes’ control and workrate could see him thrive.
Hughes has also had moments of excellence and superb performances this season, and is an extremely reliable option.
With Chris Richards’ fitness also in doubt, again with an ankle issue, Lerma may be called upon to start at central defence, and that would eliminate a headache for Glasner.
What should be noted though, is in making the decision to start Lerma in defence and Hughes in midfield, there would be little option for changes in the middle of the park as the game progresses.
Chadi Riad has done well in the few opportunities he’s been given, and it makes sense to keep the option of either Lerma or Hughes off the bench.
For me, Hughes should be starting this final if Wharton is indeed injured, but as every Palace fan will be, I’m hoping to hear good news regarding his fitness.
