Crystal Palace injury update: Adam Wharton and Chris Richards latest from Oliver Glasner ahead of Conference League final

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has delivered an encouraging update on Adam Wharton and Chris Richards ahead of Wednesday’s Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig. Both players, who had been doubts because of ankle injuries, took part in training on Tuesday, although Glasner stressed that a final decision on their involvement will be made only after further checks and conversations with the players and medical staff.

Wharton sustained an ankle knock during Sunday’s Premier League defeat by Arsenal, while Richards picked up his problem in the 2-2 draw with Brentford and was absent against Arsenal. Glasner said the club still has time to assess their fitness and that the medical team will continue working late to try to make both available. He added that only players who are fully fit will be considered for the starting XI, and that anyone who does not feel 100% ready will not be risked. The Palace manager said pain is common at the end of a long season, but emphasized the importance of choosing a team capable of lasting the full match.

Wharton and Richards have both been important figures in Palace’s run to their first ever European final. Wharton has featured in 13 of the club’s 14 Conference League matches, while Richards has started 11. Their availability would strengthen Palace’s hopes as the club prepares for one of the biggest nights in its history.

Glasner, who guided Palace to FA Cup and Community Shield success in 2025, is aiming to finish his spell in charge with another trophy before departing in the summer. The Austrian coach, who previously won the Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022, said his main motivation is not personal glory but giving Palace the chance to play in the Europa League next season and carry that confidence into future European campaigns. He said a victory would mean the players get the opportunity they should have had this year and could build a winning mentality for the club.

Palace reached the final after beating Shakhtar Donetsk 5-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals. Rayo Vallecano will also be playing in their first European final after defeating Strasbourg 2-0 over two legs, adding further weight to a contest that will decide who lifts the trophy in Leipzig.