Crystal Palace Boss Oliver Glasner Gives Adam Wharton Injury Update Ahead of UEFA Conference League Final: “Hopefully It’s Not Too Bad”

Crystal Palace are preparing for a landmark UEFA Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, May 27, at 20:00 UK time, with the match set to be shown live on TNT Sports and HBO Max. The final offers Palace a chance to finish a remarkable season on a high and gives departing head coach Oliver Glasner one last opportunity to add to a spell that has already delivered the club’s first major silverware.

Glasner’s impact on Palace has been significant since he replaced Roy Hodgson in February 2024. Under the Austrian, the south London club won the 2025 FA Cup by beating Manchester City, then followed that with victory over Liverpool on penalties to lift the Community Shield last August. That success has raised expectations around the club, and a place in the Conference League final now gives Palace another chance to make history.

However, Palace are facing concern over midfielder Adam Wharton after he appeared to pick up an ankle injury during Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Premier League champions Arsenal. The 22-year-old started on the bench, came on at half-time for Daichi Kamada, and was then forced off after an hour following a challenge with Myles Lewis-Skelly. With only 72 hours before the final, Glasner said the club will assess Wharton’s condition before making a decision. He described the ankle as sore but suggested the player was sending positive signals and that a clearer picture would emerge after a night of rest.

Glasner also reflected on Palace’s performance against Arsenal, saying the team needed to improve but would definitely be better on Wednesday. He explained that the squad had already spent time studying Rayo Vallecano, including how the Spanish side press, how they build possession, and how Palace can create pressure and exploit space. Palace have held two intense training sessions focused on the final and are now looking to fine-tune their preparation while ensuring the players remain fresh.

The Crystal Palace manager said there was no need to change the squad or the team’s overall approach, stressing confidence in the style that has carried them this far. He praised the work done by the players and staff over the last two years and thanked the supporters for their belief and backing throughout the journey. Glasner said the fans’ support helped the team understand that “everything is possible.”

Rayo Vallecano arrive in strong form after ending their domestic season with a 2-1 win at Alaves on Saturday, extending their unbeaten run to nine matches in all competitions. Palace will need to be at their best in Leipzig, but the final represents a major moment for both clubs and a chance for Crystal Palace to cap a memorable era with another trophy.