Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner indicated on Tuesday that Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi are expected to play in tomorrow’s Conference League playoff against Fredrikstad, clouding the likelihood of a rapid Tottenham bid being completed in time for an appearance against Manchester City this weekend.
Glasner’s comments come amid a busy period for Palace, who are already missing six players through injury, including Daichi Kamada, Eddie Nketiah, and Chiekh Doucoure. The backdrop of a European qualifier and a crowded fixture list appears to be shaping the club’s risk assessment, with the need to protect key players weighing against any potential late departures.
There is also talk of transfer activity surrounding Palace, with early reports suggesting the club have agreed terms with Leicester for Bilal El Khannouss. That development, coupled with Glasner’s insistence on the readiness of Eze and Guehi, indicates the transfer window narrative around Eze remains unsettled, with a final decision likely to come later in the week.
Summary: Palace are prioritizing squad stability for the Conference League playoff while transfer chatter continues in the background, including a potential deal for El Khannouss. The club’s immediate focus appears to be on progression in Europe and preserving core players for upcoming fixtures.
Positive note: If Eze stays with Palace for the playoff and the broader end of the window, he could help drive Palace’s European campaign forward while Tottenham reassesses how best to strengthen ahead of their own schedule.
Additional value: Keeping Eze and Guehi available for the playoff could bolster Palace’s chances of securing European football next season, especially given the injury disruptions in the squad. The situation also highlights how clubs balance ambitious transfer targets with the practical need to protect key players during a pivotal stage of the season.