Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad suffers ACL injury | OneFootball

Crystal Palace defender Chadi Riad faces an extended spell on the sidelines with a suspected anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, according to the Daily Mail. He is expected to miss the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old has struggled with injuries since joining Palace from Barcelona after an impressive loan stint with La Liga side Real Betis. He has made only three appearances. He was notably absent as the Eagles lost to Brentford this weekend at Selhurst Park.

His last appearance for Palace came in January’s 1-0 win over Stockport County in the FA Cup third round.

Riad’s latest injury, which reportedly occurred during training, leaves Palace in a precarious position with the transfer window closing in seven days.

Crystal Palace were already dealing with defensive shortages following Chelsea’s decision to recall Trevoh Chalobah earlier this month, and the injury to Riad leaves the Eagles backline stretched thin.

The Eagles are now left with just three fully fit senior centre-backs – Marc Guehi, Maxence Lacroix, and Chris Richards – to navigate their remaining 15 Premier League games.

Palace coach Oliver Glasner plays with a system that requires three central defenders, potentially forcing the Eagles into the transfer market to bolster his defensive ranks.

To make matters worse, Palace fear the worst over midfielder Cheick Doucoure. The Malian anchorman is also nursing a knee injury that could see him sidelined for a considerable period.

Glasner revealed last week that Riad and Doucoure were dealing with knee issues, adding to the manager’s mounting headaches.

While Jefferson Lerma can do a job in defence, with Doucoure and Adam Wharton injured, he is needed to provide cover in his primary position.

Nathaniel Clyne has been called upon to play the centre-back role and did well. Expect Glasner to give him another run-out in central defence as they scour the market for defensive reinforcement.