Crystal Palace's European ambitions face a setback as Maxence Lacroix's injury could rule him out of the crucial second leg of the Conference League play-offs. The match against Zrinjski ended in a 1-1 draw, with Palace's early lead canceled out by a second-half goal. With the series now tied, Palace must navigate a challenging home leg without their key defender.
Manager Oliver Glasner expressed concern over the severity of Lacroix's injury, noting the timing of the setback. He stated, 'It's their doctor who will know the extent, but it was a muscle issue. Muscle problems are never a good sign.'
The injury adds to Palace's woes, as they already face a crowded fixture schedule and a lack of squad depth. Glasner acknowledged the team's struggles, saying, 'We need to be very creative to find the right players for these positions.'
The manager also highlighted the impact of individual errors, stating, 'We made two easy mistakes, and we can't defend one-on-one situations.' He emphasized the need for defensive improvements, especially with key players like Lacroix and Jefferson Lerma out injured.
Despite the challenges, Glasner remains optimistic, focusing on the team's ability to adapt. He said, 'We need to be very self-critical today. We controlled the game, but we gave away momentum with easy mistakes.' The team's resilience and ability to overcome adversity will be crucial in their quest to keep their European dream alive.
