Oliver Glasner reveals Adam Wharton boost ahead of Liverpool clash
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Adam Wharton was not in the Crystal Palace side that was held to a 0-0 stalemate by West Ham on Monday evening. Image Credits: Imago ImagesLiverpool welcome Crystal Palace to Anfield on Saturday afternoon in what promises to be another big test for the Reds’ quest for Champions League qualification.Oliver Glasner’s side progressed to the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-finals just last week, overcoming Fiorentina on aggregate despite a 2-1 defeat in Florence, and are now balancing a gruelling fixture schedule with their top-flight ambitions.The Eagles come into Saturday’s fixture having been held to a goalless draw by West Ham at Selhurst Park on Monday night.Adam Wharton, who is on Liverpool’s radar this summer, was absent from the matchday squad entirely, with Glasner instead fielding the veteran midfield partnership of Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes.The 22-year-old had been forced off in the first half of the Fiorentina second leg after suffering a suspected recurrence of the adductor injury that saw him withdrawn from England duty just weeks earlier, raising fears among Palace supporters that his season could be in serious jeopardy.However, Glasner moved quickly to ease those concerns in his post-match press conference after the West Ham stalemateSpeaking after Crystal Palace’s 0-0 draw with West Ham on Monday night, Glasner has said that Adam Wharton should be fit to face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday:“He should be back [for Liverpool away on Saturday] – it was mostly a precaution more or less, [he showed] a little bit of clinical symptoms.”“I expect him back on Thursday in training when we start to prepare for the Liverpool game and he should be available.”He added on the Liverpool game:“Like always, [I expect] a great atmosphere at Anfield, great stadium, and they are fighting for the Champions League.
We’re also in a good position in the league, and we want to show a great performance there.”“We think we know how they play, but also they had a great win in the Merseyside derby, so that’s why they will be highly motivated.”Palace will know that having their midfield general available could prove the difference between leaving Anfield with something and being swept aside. Wharton’s likely return is a major boost for the Eagles.
Adam Wharton Crystal Palace