Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has issued a brutally honest assessment on the absence of playmaker Eberechi Eze, confirming the star will not feature against Liverpool and delivering a pointed transfer warning to his array of admirers, including Arsenal.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, the Austrian boss was characteristically direct when questioned about Eze's omission from recent squads. Glasner's comments will send ripples through the Premier League, with the 25-year-old's electrifying form making him one of the most coveted talents outside the traditional 'top six'.
Glasner's Blunt Injury Verdict
The manager left no room for ambiguity regarding Eze's current situation. "He is not available," Glasner stated matter-of-factly. "He will not be available for Liverpool. He's not training with the team." This definitive update dashes any hopes of a swift return for the England international, who has been struggling with a muscular issue.
Glasner elaborated on the careful approach being taken, emphasising the long-term view. "We have to be patient. We have to wait. We have some treatment and then we have to see day by day, week by week." This cautious methodology underscores Eze's immense value to the Selhurst Park outfit, both on the pitch and in the transfer market.
A Stark Transfer Warning to Suitors
Perhaps the most significant part of Glasner's address was a clear message to clubs circling his prized assets, a list that includes not only Eze but also centre-back Marc Guehi. In a warning that will resonate from the Emirates to Anfield, Glasner outlined a non-negotiable principle.
"It's always the same: if players leave us, then we need at least as good players or better players coming in," he declared. This statement serves as a major hurdle for any potential buying club, signalling that Palace will not be pressured into a sale without a viable and superior replacement lined up—a notoriously difficult task in the mid-season window.
The comments appear particularly timely for Arsenal, who have been heavily linked with a move for Eze as Mikel Arteta seeks to bolster his creative options. Similarly, Liverpool's long-standing interest in the rock-solid Guehi is well-documented.
The Ripple Effect on Palace's Season
Eze's prolonged absence is a significant blow to Palace's ambitions for the early part of the season. His creativity, dribbling, and goal threat from midfield are virtually irreplaceable within the current squad. His partnership with Michael Olise, when both are fit, forms the backbone of Palace's attacking identity.
Glasner's firm transfer stance also sets the stage for a intriguing final few days of the transfer window. It paints a picture of a club fully aware of the quality within its ranks and determined not to be weakened, reflecting a growing confidence and ambition under the new managerial regime.
For now, the message from South London is unequivocal: Crystal Palace are in control, and any club wishing to acquire their crown jewels will have to meet their demanding terms.
