Oliver Glasner reveals Crystal Palace squad hit by sickness bug before Stockport FA Cup clash | OneFootball

Several Palace players have been struggling with illness this week

Concern: Oliver Glasner has doubts over a number of Crystal Palace players.

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Crystal Palace's preparations for their FA Cup third-round tie against Stockport have been complicated by a bug that has swept through the squad.

Boss Oliver Glasner revealed that a number of his Eagles stars have fallen ill and does not know who will be available for the fixture at Selhurst Park, with players from the Under-21s drafted in to make up the numbers in training.

"We had many ill players this week, or many question marks," Glasner told a press conference.

"Until today (Friday), JP Mateta, Maxence Lacroix and Tyrick Mitchell didn't train. Caleb Kporha trained for the first time today but Dean Henderson went home today, being ill.

"It can be that one or two come back tomorrow, but of course might not available for starting if you're in your bed with fever for almost the whole week, so there are still many question marks.

"But all the healthy players made it quite easy for us because we had one of our best training weeks for months now, even with a small number.

"I'm really pleased with how the training sessions were, and this gives me a good feeling for this three-game week that is coming up."

Doubt: Jean-Philippe Mateta did not train ahead of Crystal Palace’s FA Cup tie vs Stockport.

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Will Hughes is a major doubt because of a foot injury while Adam Wharton is recovering from surgery to repair a problem affecting his hip and groin.

"Adam's improving but still far away from training with the team, but it's getting better," Glasner said.

"I can't tell you if it will take two weeks or three or four, but it's quite unlikely that he will return in January."

Glasner's first match in the FA Cup will see his Premier League stars come up against opponents from League One.

"As we always say in Germany - it's David against Goliath! It makes cup games so popular," Glasner said.