Oliver Glasner nearly confirmed that Eberechi Eze has played his final match in a Crystal Palace jersey after stating the England forward withdrew on the day of their historic 1-0 Conference League play-off win over Fredrikstad.
The Palace manager insisted Eze would start the Eagles’ first leg against the Norwegian team at Selhurst Park—also their initial venture into major European football—before Arsenal stepped in with a £60million deal.
The transfer of the 27-year-old, who had long been associated with Tottenham, could be finalized as early as this weekend, the PA news agency understands.
However, on Thursday morning, Glasner disclosed he received a call from Eze, who said he was too unwell to play, forcing him to include Northern Ireland international Justin Devenny in his starting lineup.
“I’m responsible for Crystal Palace and I think he won’t play for us again,” said Glasner when asked to confirm whether Eze was heading to the Emirates Stadium.
“So I have to prepare the team for Nottingham (Forest, in the Premier League on Sunday) and for the second leg against Fredrikstad, and I’m planning without Eberechi.”
When questioned about whether Eze was physically or mentally unwell, the Palace manager simply replied: “You have to ask him. Maybe in a few days (you can ask).”
Glasner also noted that he has never encountered a situation where a player in Eze’s position called to say they were unavailable.
“No,” Glasner confirmed. “And I don’t want it to happen anymore.”
The drama and uncertainty surrounding Eze—and his absence from Palace’s starting lineup—overshadowed the FA Cup holders’ landmark major European debut, which they won 1-0 after Jean-Philippe Mateta headed home in the 54th minute.
Glasner, who attributed late business to Palace’s poor start last season, did not hold back when expressing his frustration about their lack of activity in the transfer window, having so far signed only Croatian defender Borna Sosa for £2million and goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free transfer.
“I can’t do anything,” said Glasner. “I can’t sign a player’s contract. We have to act. We need this. This is Crystal Palace’s future. It’s easy to add numbers, we need to add the right players.
“The profile has been defined for months, for months. Also it’s not surprising for everyone that Ebs left, because five days earlier we couldn’t have done anything if he leaves (release clause).
“We knew that this chance is very high that this would happen, and honestly, I say it like it is, we missed the chance to replace him early enough. That’s completely our fault, and nobody else’s fault.”
Speaking to Channel 5 after the victory, Palace chairman Steve Parish said: “It is what it is. We’ve got to move past (it). He’s been fantastic for the club. We all love him for what he’s done and achieved, and we’re pleased that he can go on and fulfil the other ambitions that he’s got.
“The king is dead, long live the king. We have to move past it and we have to find other players to bring in that can support the rest of the team and Oliver.”