Crystal Palace fans were left surprised on Thursday as Eberechi Eze was absent from the squad for their Europa Conference League play-off against Fredrikstad.
The 27-year-old’s omission came just hours before kick-off, stirring speculation amid his impending move to Arsenal.
Palace manager Oliver Glasner explained the situation, revealing that Eze had personally called him that morning to say he wasn’t fit to play.
It was an unexpected development on a historic night for the club—marking their European debut.
Glasner Admits Frustration but Stays Focused
Speaking to Channel 5, Glasner admitted he had expected Eze to start.
“Honestly, I expected that he would start today for us,” Glasner said. “But he called me this morning and told me that he doesn’t feel well to play.
I have to accept it, and everything else you have to ask the chairman.”
The Austrian coach acknowledged the disruption, noting how difficult it is to change the starting XI on matchday, especially for such a landmark game.
Still, he insisted his job was to concentrate on the players who were ready to step in.
Palace Players Ready to Step Up
Glasner was unsure whether Eze would even attend the match at Selhurst Park.
Meanwhile, striker Jean-Philippe Mateta emphasised that the squad would have to adapt without their star attacker.
“We know he’s a very good player, one of the best in our group. Everyone knows this,” Mateta said.
“He’s not going to be here today, but we have a big group of talented players that will give 100 per cent.”
Palace hosted Fredrikstad in the first leg, with the return fixture scheduled for August 28.
By then, Eze is expected to be donning Arsenal colours, fulfilling a lifelong dream.
Arsenal Outpaces Spurs for Eze’s Signature
Eze’s move to Arsenal has been in motion for weeks. Tottenham had been negotiating with Palace for around £55 million plus add-ons, hoping to secure the player.
But Arsenal’s urgent need for a left-sided attacker following Kai Havertz’s knee injury changed the dynamic.
The Gunners had already been tracking Eze earlier in the window, knowing he preferred a move to north London.
Initially, Arsenal were focused on managing their squad after spending £63 million on Viktor Gyokeres.
Havertz’s injury forced them to act quickly, effectively scooping up Eze from under Tottenham’s nose.
Behind the Scenes of the Transfer
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta had met Eze last month, persuading him of the benefits of joining the Gunners.
However, a formal offer hadn’t been made at the time.
Eze’s £60 million release clause, along with £8 million in bonuses, expired last week.
Daily Mail Sport reports that Spurs had agreed terms with both Palace and Eze by Wednesday.
But Palace insisted that he remain available for the European tie.
That’s when Arsenal swooped on Wednesday afternoon, ensuring Eze would skip the match to protect his fitness ahead of the transfer.
A Dream Move Finally Within Reach
With Eze sidelined, all eyes were on Palace’s squad to deliver in their European debut without their star midfielder.
For the player himself, the focus now shifts entirely to completing a move to the club he supported as a boy—a transfer that has been years in the making.
