Crystal Palace handed double defensive blow as they seek maiden Premier League win against Nottingham Forest

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has provided an injury update on the condition of two of his defensive stars, confirming that both Chris Richards and Chadi Riad could be out until late November.

The Eagles are still searching for their maiden win over the 2024/25 campaign as they prepare to take on Nottingham Forest in tonight’s Monday Night Football action. 

It’s been an unsettling start to the campaign with the Selhurst Park head coach still figuring out his best starting XI in the wake of such key departures this summer, namely Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen and Jordan Ayew. 

Cheick Doucoure has also struggled to stay fit for the start of the ongoing term, while Adam Wharton has recently been to see a specialist due to an unspecified injury.

Now, however, the Eagles head coach has received further disappointment in terms of his players’ availability, with  USA and Morocco internationals Richards and Riad likely to be out until the end of next month.

Speaking ahead of his side’s upcoming clash against Forest, the Austrian manager said: “Chris is now working on the pitch with his rehab. He’s getting closer. I don’t expect them (Richards or Riad) to play before the next international break in November.

“It was not so serious (the injury to Richards) but on a bad spot of the muscle. We have to be very careful that we don’t get a re-injury.”

Riad has been out of action since sustaining a knee injury during his side’s 4-0 Carabao Cup win over Norwich back in August, while Richards suffered a hamstring issue in training before the Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Everton.

In their absence, Glasner will still be able to select his starting XI from a strong selection of stars, with Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix and Trevoh Chalobah all still available.

Palace and Forest will kick-off at the City Ground at 8pm later this evening, Monday 21 October, with the match available to watch on Sky Sports.