Crystal Palace boss Glasner explains Eberechi Eze’s injury absence in Fulham draw

Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner said Eberechi Eze was close to starting in Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Fulham.

However, Glasner admitted that the Eagles decided not to take a risk with the Greenwich-born attacker and left him out of the matchday squad completely.

Eze picked up a knock in Wednesday night’s 2-0 win over Newcastle at Selhurst Park.

Jean-Philippe Mateta started up top for the South Londoners, with Jordan Ayew and Michael Olise playing behind the French forward.

Rodrigo Muniz gave Fulham the lead in the second half, but Jeffrey Schlupp equalised with a sensational strike from the edge of the box.

After three games in six days, the Eagles next play against Manchester United on May 6.

“We were close to starting him,” said Glasner.

“We discussed this morning whether it made sense. 

“But we didn’t want to take a risk – we have nine days until the next game.”