OLIVER GLASNER FINDS THE SILVER LINING FOR ADAM WHARTON
Oliver Glasner on Adam Wharton's England snub, the latest on Will Hughes' injury, and a preview of the Premier League clash with Everton as the Eagles aim to extend their 19-game unbeaten streak.
Oliver Glasner, the manager of Crystal Palace, believes that Adam Wharton's exclusion from the England team may perhaps be a good thing.
Thomas Tuchel's 24-man squad for the forthcoming October internationals against Wales and Latvia did not include the 21-year-old midfielder.
Wharton was originally scheduled to play in last month's World Cup qualifying matches against Serbia and Andorra, but he was forced to withdraw due to an adductor injury.
Glasner, however, thinks the Eagles, who set a club record 19-match undefeated streak with a 2-0 victory over Dynamo Kiev in their Conference League opening on Thursday night in Lublin, will probably benefit from a little more recuperation time during the international break.
In an interview that was shown on Sky Sports News, Glasner stated, "I just heard his (Tuchel's) explanation."
He stated that he wants to continue with the team that did so well, particularly in Serbia, and that we must accept it as usual.
After that, we attempt our best, which will give Adam several days to relax, which is also beneficial to him.
"Let's see, we have a lot of games to play and a very strict schedule."
Following their thrilling victory against champions Liverpool in the Premier League last weekend, Palace will return to domestic play on Sunday against Everton.
After scoring a goal in stoppage time at Selhurst Park, Eddie Nketiah came off the bench to score a second-half goal against Dynamo that put the Ukrainians out of the running in the European match.
Nketiah insisted Glasner's FA Cup winners wouldn't be getting ahead of themselves. He had previously had a good finish disallowed just before his goal on the hour.
According to Nketiah on Palace TV, "We just go game by game."
It goes without saying that we have established a really positive atmosphere in the dressing room. Everyone wants to play, everyone wants to win, and everyone just wants to participate.
"We are just going to keep doing that because we are not really looking at the numbers; instead, we are looking at each game individually and trying to accumulate as many points as we can in both competitions."
Will Hughes, a midfielder, will be watched before the trip to Merseyside after being substituted out early in the second half due to a dead leg against Dynamo.
"Every player returned from Poland in good health. Glasner, who was quoted on the Palace website on Friday, stated, "There was just one little doubt mark over Will Hughes."
It's a little dubious since he suffered a knock to his quad, but he should be OK.
However, the excursion went exactly as planned, which is why we will work out in the afternoon. We're going to Liverpool tomorrow, so we'll be well-prepared.
HOW JAMES MADDISON’S INDIVIDUAL TRAINING SIGNALS A SHOCK SEASON RETURN
James Maddison returns to individual training as Igor Tudor prepares Tottenham for a vital relegation battle with Forest.
Ahead of Tottenham’s match against Nottingham Forest, manager Igor Tudor gave an update on when James Maddison might return from injury. It’s a crucial moment for Spurs as they prepare to host Forest in what could be the defining 90 minutes of Tudor’s time at the club and quite possibly a key fixture that will shape the season for both teams.
Currently separated by just one point, Tottenham and Forest are locked in a battle against relegation. A win would push Spurs four points clear of the drop zone, while a loss might drag them into the bottom three. The stakes couldn’t be clearer.
Tudor’s side heads into this game with renewed energy, surprisingly positive given the mood just two weeks ago. The draw at Anfield broke a six-game losing streak, and their recent 3-2 victory over Atlético Madrid, though not enough to overturn the aggregate score, brought back a sense of belief. Young players like Xavi Simons and Archie Gray impressed, while Mathys Tel kept the opposition on their toes. The atmosphere at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was electric in a way fans haven’t felt for months. While the Champions League hopes are dashed, that performance has injected valuable momentum into Spurs’ survival fight.
There’s also some hopeful news on the injury front. Dominic Solanke, who missed the Atlético leg with a hip issue, might be available. His physical presence adds a different dimension to Tottenham’s attack, which Tudor will surely be glad to have.
But the most promising update came from Tudor’s comments about Maddison. The creative midfielder, sidelined since August after rupturing his ACL in a preseason friendly, has begun some individual training, spotted alongside Palhinha. Recoveries from ACL injuries are never straightforward, and the team won’t rush him back. With only seven league games left after Sunday, there’s a narrow window for his return. Still, even the possibility of Maddison getting back on the pitch—someone who can change a game with a moment of skill or a precise pass—offers a much-needed morale boost.
For now, though, the focus remains firmly on Forest.
WHY BORUSSIA DORTMUND EXPECT JADON SANCHO TO SIGN FOR FREE
Unai Emery praises Jadon Sancho despite poor stats, while Dortmund free up £21m in wages to lure him back to Germany.
Borussia Dortmund really want Jadon Sancho back, and they’re hoping to get him for free from Manchester United. Sancho’s contract runs out this summer, and honestly, no one expects United to offer him a new one.
Right now, Sancho’s on loan at Aston Villa. It’s his third spell away from Old Trafford since United signed him for £73 million in 2021. His move to Villa was just a loan with no option to buy.
Villa’s manager, Unai Emery, has hinted he might keep Sancho, but Dortmund aren’t sitting around. The Times says Dortmund didn’t chase wingers last summer because Nico Kovac liked the 3-4-2-1 formation, but now the boss has changed his mind and wants Sancho back.
If Sancho comes back, he'll need to take a hefty pay cut from his £300,000-a-week salary. Still, Dortmund’s where he made his name after moving from Manchester City in 2017.
Dortmund have room in the budget this summer; they let the contracts of Julian Brandt, Niklas Süle, and Salih Özcan run out. That saves them about £21 million a year, and they’re optimistic they can lure Sancho, who’s allowed to strike pre-contract deals with foreign clubs.
Sancho actually spent half of the 2024 season back at Dortmund after Erik ten Hag froze him out at United. He helped them reach the Champions League final, but nothing permanent came of it.
Something similar happened during his loan to Chelsea last season. The club even paid a £5 million penalty just to avoid having to sign him outright. Villa picked him up right at the transfer deadline in September, but, once again, he’s struggled.
So far, Sancho’s got one goal and one assist in 29 games across all competitions. Still, Emery thinks there’s more to come.
When asked in February about signing Sancho for good, Emery said, “Not yet, but he’s a fantastic player. Hopefully, he can help us by improving within our system, like he is doing.
“He’ll need a new contract; maybe it’s here. If he plays his best football, we’ll want him. But other teams will be interested, too.”
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