Crystal Palace boss explains reasoning behind cutting squad size over the summer
Oliver Glasner said it was intentional for Crystal Palace to cut down the size of their squad in order not to block the pathway for the club’s academy talent.
Justin Devenny, Caleb Kporha, Asher Agbinone Kaden Rodney and Franco Umeh have all been on the bench in the Premier League this season under Glasner.
Winger Agbinone is the only one yet to get any minutes, coming on in the 88th minute during the 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
Mofe Jemide, 17, has also trained with Glasner’s first team and played in the behind closed doors friendly draw with Ipswich in the recent international break.
Glasner will be without Eberechi Eze, Jefferson Lerma, Adam Wharton, Chadi Riad, Matheus Franca, Joel Ward and Chris Richards for tomorrow’s trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Rob Holding has also been exiled to the U21 squad. The former Arsenal defender played for Darren Powell’s U21 side against Spurs on Friday night.
“We decided that we don’t need 25 outfield players,” said Glasner of the plan in the summer.
“You don’t need to build a new academy if they never get an opportunity to play.
“If you have 25 players and then you get seven injuries, you still have 18. How will they [the academy players] get minutes?
“We didn’t expect to have these kinds of injuries, but Richards should come back next week and Lerma should be back after the international break.
“It’s also looking good for Riad to be back after the international break.
“This is part of football – we trust in our squad.
“We had 14 [senior players] at Villa with four U21s.
“It will be time for our u21s to get some minutes.
“Asher got minutes at Nottingham and did very well.
“We have Caleb and Justin, who’s been excellent in training.
“There is always a chance for other players to step up and say: ‘Hey, you can count on me.’
“We all trust in them. We can see they are able to help the team.
“We can never win with one player, but we have a great togetherness.”
PICTURE: ALAMY