Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner denied opportunity to repeat winning trick in latest blow ahead of Aston Villa

Challenges are never far off at Palace this season. Even in a week where they impressed and performed above expectations to secure their first league win, they now face the setback of an injury to Jefferson Lerma, who is doubtful for the upcoming League Cup game against Aston Villa.

LondonWorld has reported that Lerma’s substitution against Tottenham was forced due to a hamstring injury, putting him in serious doubt for the trip to Villa Park. This latest blow means the Eagles will be unable to start the same line-up that triumphed at Selhurst Park.

That starting eleven was arguably the best they’ve fielded, as it provided balance and addressed many of the issues that have contributed to their slow start this season. These early struggles have amplified questions around player signings, tactical decisions, the manager, and the club's ambitions.

After the win over Tottenham, Glasner revealed he was never in danger of being sacked despite reports linking the club with other managers, including David Moyes and Graham Potter. He told reporters:

“I always felt quite comfortable with my job. I was always very close with my sporting director and my chairman. I wasn’t really concerned about my job.

“All of our performances [this season] were okay. We just missed a little bit of what we showed today. We showed courage, intensity, and bravery with our pressing. This is what we’d been missing. All the credit goes to the players for how they handled the [winless] run.”

Villa are expected to rotate their squad as they strive to balance Champions League play, a push for a top-four league finish, and their Cup campaigns. For Palace, the league will always be the main priority, but they are currently seeking continuity and momentum. A win in the Cup would be the ideal preparation for their upcoming league game against Wolves over the weekend.