Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has delivered a concerning update on midfielder Will Hughes after the player was forced off with an injury during the New Year's Day draw with Fulham.
Fresh Blow in Injury-Hit Squad
The incident occurred just before the hour-mark at Selhurst Park, adding to the Eagles' existing list of fitness concerns. Hughes appeared to limp off after complaining of discomfort, casting a shadow over a result that at least ended a three-game losing streak in the Premier League.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw, where Jean-Philippe Mateta's first league goal since November was cancelled out by Tom Cairney, Glasner detailed the issue. "Let’s see. He just felt fatigue everywhere around the hip and once it was the hamstring, then it was the adductor, then it was the thighs," the Austrian coach explained.
He added a sobering note on the immediate future: "We have to assess him further, but of course we hope that we won't miss him in the next game, because I think nobody will return for the Newcastle game and we need him."
Grim Fixture List Looms for Fatigued Eagles
The potential loss of Hughes comes at a particularly difficult time for Palace. The point against Fulham leaves them tenth in the table, but their winless run across all competitions now stretches to six matches.
The schedule in early January is relentless. Palace face a daunting trip to Newcastle United on Sunday, followed by a home clash against an in-form Aston Villa. An FA Cup third-round tie against Macclesfield Town offers some respite, before league games against Sunderland and Chelsea complete a punishing run.
Glasner admitted his squad is operating in "survival mode" due to the volume of games and lack of fit players. "Everybody could see and feel it, that the legs are getting fatigued and the mind is getting fatigued," he told PalaceTV.
Glasner Finds Positives in Hard-Fought Point
Despite the fresh injury worry and extended winless run, the manager sought to focus on the positive of stopping the losing streak. He described the draw as a "good point" and praised his players' effort.
"It was important now, after three defeats, to cut this downwards spiral," Glasner stated. He also hailed goalkeeper Dean Henderson for an "incredible save" late on to preserve the point, acknowledging the team needed their keeper to perform.
Looking ahead to the crucial period, Glasner promised commitment: "We have three more games to play in the next nine days, and I can promise we will give our best in every single game." The fitness of Will Hughes, however, remains a significant question mark as Palace navigate this critical phase of their season.
