Guehi’s Injury Leaves Palace and England in a Bind

Marc Guehi, the defender for Crystal Palace, played the full 90 minutes during the team’s midweek victory, despite sustaining an injury. Coach Oliver Glasner had hoped that Guehi would recover in time for the upcoming Premier League clash against rivals Brighton, scheduled for Sunday afternoon. However, Glasner disclosed that Guehi is currently unable to walk without assistance and will not be available for selection.

This development is a significant setback for both Crystal Palace and England manager Thomas Tuchel, who has relied heavily on Guehi as a central figure in defense. The former Chelsea player has shown proficiency on both the left and right sides of the central defense and had been developing effective partnerships with Manchester City’s John Stones and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa in recent matches.

During the last international break, Guehi stood out among defenders, contributing two assists in England’s impressive 3-0 victory over Wales. However, with upcoming matches against Serbia and Albania next week, it seems unlikely that the Palace captain will be fit to participate.

Before the match against Brighton, Glasner elaborated on Guehi’s condition, stating, “He can’t even walk at the moment; for the last two days, he was on crutches. That’s why he can’t play. I am uncertain about how this will develop in the next few days. Currently, it appears he will also be unavailable for England.”

According to BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Guehi underwent scans on Friday to evaluate the injury sustained during a match against the Netherlands. The medical team at Crystal Palace confirmed that he has suffered from bone bruising, rendering him unfit for the weekend’s game.

In Guehi’s absence, 19-year-old Jaydee Canvot will have the opportunity for his first Premier League start, as he aims to prove his capability in one of the three defensive positions available in Glasner’s setup. Alongside Maxence Lacroix and USMNT star Chris Richards, Canvot will need guidance as they face a formidable challenge at Selhurst Park.

Guehi’s situation also presents Glasner with a chance to assess potential future defensive strategies should Guehi leave the club. Speculation surrounding his potential transfer to Liverpool was rife before the season began, and while a move to Anfield fell through on deadline day, Guehi’s contract, which expires in June 2026, continues to attract interest from several top European clubs, including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

Recent reports indicate that Guehi may be pricing himself out of a move to Los Blancos, as his salary and signing demands are reportedly more than the Spanish giants are willing to meet.

With World Cup qualification secured, Tuchel may take this opportunity to experiment with his squad. Bournemouth’s Alex Scott has been called up, potentially set to make his debut for the Three Lions. Additionally, Jude Bellingham’s return to the squad adds further depth to England’s midfield, as he comes back from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him for an extended period.