Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that attacking midfielder Matheus Franca will miss the opening Premier League match against Brentford.
The Brazilian midfielder hasn’t been in good shape after his injury. Since joining the club, he has had minor back pain until October 2023.
However, he played 10 games for the Eagles and produced a crucial assist against Burnley. Although his potential is yet to be tested at its fullest, the arrival of Oliver Glasner has made the future of the young midfielder brighter once he recovers from his injury.
Due to a groin injury last year, he missed the final 11 games of the Premier League. The club manager has informed that Franca will miss the rest of the season until pre-season for surgery.
The Eagles boss hasn’t featured him in pre-season due to injury concerns. And yet again, we won’t see Franca in midfield this week, following the departure of Michael Olise.
Here’s what Glasner said about Mathues Franca,”After his injury, he trained with us, and unfortunately he fractured his rib again so he will be out for the next weeks.”
How Can Crystal Palace Line for their opening match against Brentford
Even though Matheus Franca will be absent, Crystal Palace is totally ready to face Brentford at Gtech Community Stadium.
No doubt Glasner will start with Henderson in goal. Despite a lot of chat about Marc Guehi in the transfer window, he’s expected to play.
The talisman Jean-Philippe Mateta is back in the squad and has joined training after a great stint with the France national team.
Cheick Doucoure is likely to retain his spot after returning to the team from long rehabilitation. Glasner can also feature new signings Ismaila Sarr, Chadi Riad, and Daichi Kamada.
So, after seven weeks of pre-season, the Eagles are getting ready to kick off the season.
Crystal Palace Probable line up: Henderson; Andersen, Guehi, Riad; Sarr, Doucoure, Wharton, Mitchell; Kamada, Eze; Mateta.