So who replaces Eberechi Eze against Arsenal? Crystal Palace boss asked if summer signing will step in

BY ALEX PEWTER

With Eberechi Eze out of contention for tomorrow’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal, Oliver Glasner now needs to decide how to replace him in attacking midfield.

The decision to leave the England international out of the game was made relatively late, only on Friday. The plan is for him to be ready for the Boxing Day clash at Bournemouth.

Daichi Kamada, who missed three matches following his red card against Fulham and was an unused substitute for the fourth, has now had back-to-back 30-minute appearances in the last two fixtures.

Glasner was asked today if Kamada would be the player to step into the starting 11 in his place.

He said: “We have different options in that area. Daichi did very well against Brighton and was okay in a difficult game at Arsenal. We have Eddie [Nketiah], who can play in this position, and Justin [Devenny], who was great in the games when he played – at Villa, for example.

“These are the options we have, and we have just decided this morning that it doesn’t make sense for Ebs to play tomorrow. So, I’m not decided who will start tomorrow, but I think one of these three players will be the one.”

The balancing act for Palace, depending on which option starts, is a matter of depth. Should Nketiah get the nod after his late goal on Wednesday, alongside Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, the team will be without a centre-forward option on the bench, leaving the team without a fresh player for the closing stages.

Therefore, Kamada is probably the logical choice, especially as the link-up player opposite the athletic presence and range of Sarr.

Given his struggles when playing a deeper midfield role due to injuries, it will be intriguing to see how he does in a more comfortable role, especially given the team’s overall improved performances.

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