'We don’t know': Oliver Glasner reacts after Crystal Palace star is ruled out of action for the rest of 2024

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admits that 20-year-old Matheus Franca faces a tough battle to be fit again this year after suffering his latest setback ahead of their weekend game against Liverpool. The Eagles are without a win and are already dealing with the loss of Cheick Doucouré, who has missed the last two games.

Palace signed Franca for £26 million, and he featured 12 times last season before suffering a freak groin injury that required surgery at the end of the season. Sources at the club said the surgery was successful, and they were hopeful of having him fresh and ready for this season.

However, the 20-year-old then fractured his rib during pre-season training and missed the start of the 2024-25 season. The club's six-game winless streak has only deepened the impact of each setback, so when Franca returned to training ahead of the game against Manchester United, there was hope that the worst had passed.

Unfortunately, another injury suffered in training has led the manager to confirm that Franca might not play again for the remainder of the year. Glasner said in his press conference ahead of the Liverpool game at Selhurst Park: “Franca is unfortunately injured again. It’s his adductor groin. It is a tough situation for him, especially for us.

“I don’t expect that he will play many games in 2024 for us. We don’t know exactly how long it will take, but it will take several weeks.”

Palace Looking to End a Tough Period on a High

The Eagles managed to secure an impressive draw against Chelsea before the last international break. Although they suffered a disappointing defeat to Everton, they also earned a draw against Manchester United, which could be seen as a point gained.

They hope that their tendency to play their best football against the big teams will be evident as they take on a Liverpool side currently at the top of the league and going from strength to strength.