Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has revealed that Adam Wharton is facing a race against time to be fit for the FA Cup final.
The midfielder was forced off with a twisted ankle injury midway through the second half of the Eagles’ 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest at Selhurst Park on Monday.
Glasner stated after the match that Wharton was “a little bit sore” and was hopeful that the England international had not sustained a serious injury.
The Austrian boss has since confirmed that Wharton will miss Sunday’s Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur, but there are no other fresh injury concerns for Palace.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Glasner said: “No, unfortunately [Wharton is] not available. If everything goes right he’ll be re-integrated in full training next week, and on Wednesday when we start preparing for the [FA Cup] final.”
Glasner added: “Wharton is the only who can’t play. All the others are fit and available.”
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Palace hopeful Wharton will be fit for FA Cup final
Asked about Wharton’s potential recovery time, with just six days separating Palace’s clash with Spurs and their FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley, Glasner was positive about the 21-year-old’s chances.
“90% he can play [in the FA Cup final], but always things can happen. Sunday at Tottenham is too early,” said the Eagles boss.
“The pain is too much for this game. His ligament is a little bit damaged, that is the reason, the only reason [he can’t play].”
Wharton has previously been sidelined for over two months between the end of October and the end January with a groin problem which required surgery.
The former Backburn Rovers man has subsequently been reduced to 20 Premier League appearances this season, but he has impressed on a consistent basis for Palace when called upon by Glasner.
In the absence of Wharton this weekend, Glasner could select Will Hughes, Daichi Kamada or Jefferson Lerma in centre-midfield.
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