Crystal Palace release big Marc Guehi update before Newcastle United clash
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner can finally welcome captain Marc Guehi back into his defensive line as the Eagles prepare to host an in-form Newcastle United at Selhurst Park.
The England international’s return comes at a crucial moment following Palace’s dramatic collapse against Manchester City, where a two-goal lead evaporated into a 5-2 defeat at the Etihad. While Guehi’s suspension undoubtedly weakened Palace’s backline, Glasner refused to use his absence as an excuse for Saturday’s defensive lapses.
“We missed our captain, of course,” Glasner admitted during his pre-match press conference. “But football doesn’t work that simply – one player’s absence doesn’t explain everything. Our defensive organization, usually one of our strongest qualities, fell apart in moments that had nothing to do with personnel.”
The Austrian tactician referenced Omar Marmoush’s poor positioning for Kevin De Bruyne’s chance as symptomatic of broader issues that emerged against the champions.
Guehi’s reinstatement provides Palace with much-needed stability against a Newcastle side riding a five-game winning streak. The 24-year-old center-half, who was reportedly a Newcastle transfer target last summer, now faces the challenge of containing Alexander Isak – the Swedish striker currently enduring a rare two-game scoring drought by his prolific standards. This individual battle could prove decisive in a match featuring two teams with contrasting ambitions.
While Newcastle chase European qualification, Palace find themselves in the unusual position of mid-table security with an FA Cup semi-final against Aston Villa looming.
Glasner couldn’t hide his enthusiasm about Palace’s current situation, describing it as “one of the best periods in the club’s history.” Unlike previous seasons where relegation fears dominated April, the Eagles can approach their remaining fixtures with rare freedom.
“This is what we play for,” Glasner emphasized. “Not pressure, but enthusiasm and energy. When you’re fighting relegation, that’s pressure. What we have now is the opportunity to achieve something special.”
The prospect of Palace’s first major trophy clearly energizes the former Eintracht Frankfurt manager, though he remains focused on the immediate challenge posed by Eddie Howe’s resurgent Magpies.
Newcastle’s away form makes them formidable opponents, with just two defeats in their last fifteen road trips – one being their recent Etihad setback. The visitors will look to extend their winning run to six games, maintaining momentum in their pursuit of European football.
For Palace, this match represents both a stern test and valuable preparation for their Wembley date, with Guehi’s leadership crucial to containing Newcastle’s multifaceted attack.
As both teams prepare for this intriguing clash, the subplot of Guehi’s future adds another layer of intrigue. With contract talks postponed until season’s end and Palace potentially on the verge of historic success, the young defender faces a career-defining period.
His performance against Isak and company could either enhance his reputation further or remind suitors like Newcastle of his importance to the Selhurst Park project.
For Glasner, the immediate challenge is clear – rectify Saturday’s defensive errors while capitalizing on Palace’s attacking verve that so troubled Manchester City early on. With Guehi restored and Wembley on the horizon, the Eagles have every reason to approach this encounter with the confidence Glasner so clearly embodies.