The return of Chadi Riad was highly anticipated in London. After several months of absence, the Moroccan defender was finally set to make his competitive comeback during the match between Crystal Palace and AZ Alkmaar in the Europa Conference League. However, on the eve of the match, a new setback delayed his reunion with the pitch.
During the training session prior to the match, the Moroccan international felt a first warning in his knee, the same one that had kept him sidelined since January. As a precaution, the medical staff and coach Oliver Glasner decided not to include him in the squad.
Glasner spoke after the match:
“Chadi Riad slipped and had a reaction in his knee during training, so it was decided that he would not be part of the team tonight. I hope he will be fit for Brighton on Sunday.”
Deprived of their young defender, Crystal Palace still managed to secure a 3-1 victory against AZ Alkmaar, marking a valuable success in the race for qualification. Thanks to this win, the London club now occupies 9th place in the standings with 6 points after three matches.
