Eze, Richards, Lerma: Crystal Palace injury news and latest expected return dates ahead of Fulham

Crystal Palace are unbeaten in their last three games, having recorded a win against Tottenham when their backs were against the wall. They then defeated Aston Villa in the league, although it was a heavily rotated Villa side, before earning a gutsy draw against Wolves last weekend. However, the wins have come at a cost. The team has had to navigate these results without some of their key players, while others were forced out during the matches. For example, Eberechi Eze came off during the Wolves League Cup game.

So, ahead of what should be a very close encounter between two teams that typically play out an entertaining game, here is the list of injured players that Oliver Glasner is dealing with, along with their possible return dates:

Eberechi Eze

Eze won’t be back in time for the weekend game in London, but we’ve been told he is likely to return just after the international break.Manager Glasner said: “He has a hamstring injury, and we will miss him for at least the Wolves and Fulham games. Then we have the break, and after that, let’s see. There is hope he will return, but it will be very ambitious.”

Matheus Franca

Franca is dealing with a pelvic issue and is not expected to return this year. Glasner confirmed the setback and provided an estimated recovery timeline: “He is too far away. I don’t think he will play many games, or even one, for us this year. We expected Franca to be back in two to three months, but he’s still out.”

Chadi Riad

The summer signing arrived with high expectations, but so far it’s been a frustrating time for him and everyone at the club. The good news is that he’s getting back to fitness and could be ready after the international break. Glasner said when asked about him: “I don’t expect him to play before the next international break in November.”

Adam Wharton

One of the standout players from last season, Wharton has been forced to undergo groin surgery after a slow start to the season, clearly hampered by the injury. Now, it’s all about recovery for him, with an expected return after the international break.

Jefferson Lerma

The former Bournemouth player has a thigh problem, and his absence is a massive blow to the team. He is now expected to return after the international break, with the game against Fulham coming too soon for him.

Joel Ward

Ward missed the last two games due to a small knock, but he is now likely to return straight into the starting lineup for this weekend’s game. When Ward plays well, Palace almost always perform well.

Richards has missed the last week due to a troublesome thigh injury, but he is in line for a return this weekend.