Oliver Glasner confirms Crystal Palace attacker will miss the rest of the season

Oliver Glasner has confirmed that Crystal Palace attacker Matheus Franca has had groin surgery and will miss the rest of the season.

The Brazillian joined the Eagles in the summer from Flamengo but had limited game time at Selhurst Park under Roy Hodgson – starting just one Premier League game before Glasner replaced the ex-England boss.

Franca made two substitute appearances under Glasner – picking up an assist and winning a penalty in the 3-0 win over Burnley.

The Brazil U20 international picked up a groin injury before the mid-season break in Marbella and will now miss the rest of his debut Premier League campaign.

Franca has made 12 appearances in all competitions this season.

“He won’t return this season,” said Glasner.

“He had surgery, so he will be out for the rest of the season.

“For all of us, if you have to go to hospital and undergo surgery, it’s always the worst part of life. 

“Then you have health problems, it’s the worst thing you can have. 

“He’s going up and he has all of our support. We hope that he’s back when we start with the pre-season.”

There was a hope that Cheick Doucoure would return before the end of the season after suffering an Achilles tendon injury in late November.

However, Glasner also ruled out the chances of Doucoure returning before Palace host Aston Villa at Selhurst Park on May 19.