Crystal Palace and Aston Villa are set to clash in the Premier League on Wednesday evening amidst a significant injury crisis affecting both squads. A combined total of 13 players have been definitively ruled out of the fixture, with a further two key defenders listed as doubts, severely testing the depth of each team.
Injury Crisis Hits Both Camps
The Eagles enter the match in poor form, having failed to win any of their last seven games across all competitions, a run that includes a defeat to Newcastle United last weekend. This slump has seen them fall to 14th in the table after a promising start to the season. In stark contrast, Unai Emery's Aston Villa are flying high in third place, with 12 victories from their last 13 outings.
However, Villa's preparations have been hampered by absences. Ross Barkley is out until February with a knee issue, while Amadou Onana is sidelined with a hamstring injury until the end of January. Forward Evann Guessand is away at the African Cup of Nations.
Defensive Doubts for Villa
The major concerns for Villa lie in defence, where both Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings are considered doubts. Manager Unai Emery offered a cautious update, stating, "We're training now... Tyrone and Pau are close, but I don't know if they'll be available or not." Their potential absence would be a significant blow against a Palace side desperate for a result.
Palace's Lengthy Absence List
For Crystal Palace, the situation is even more dire. Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed that midfielder Daichi Kamada will be out until at least February, possibly longer, with a serious hamstring injury sustained from an awkward landing. "It's not a normal muscle injury," Glasner explained. "He overstretched everything... and that’s why it happens."
The injury list at Selhurst Park is extensive and spans the entire pitch:
- Defenders: Nathaniel Clyne (out for a few weeks), Daniel Munoz (out 4-6 weeks after surgery), Rio Cardines (out 4-6 weeks with a muscle setback), and Chadi Riad (not yet ready).
- Midfielders: Cheick Doucoure (still weeks away from a long-term issue), Jefferson Lerma (out for 10 days with concussion).
- Forwards: Ismaila Sarr (at AFCON), Eddie Nketiah (out with a hamstring issue, return unknown).
There is a small piece of positive news, with defender Chris Richards fit enough for a place on the bench. The timeline for defender Kporha, who has a back injury, remains unclear.
Impact on Premier League Showdown
This wave of injuries will force both managers into significant tactical reshuffles. Villa will hope their superior form and squad resilience can overcome the potential loss of their first-choice centre-back pairing. For Palace, the crippling number of absences makes halting their slide down the table an even more daunting task. The match promises to be a stern test of each team's resources as the demanding winter schedule continues.
