Crystal Palace release big Marc Guehi update before Newcastle United clash

The Eagles were without their skipper for 5-2 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend through suspension. Palace were 2-0 up after 21 minutes but an inspired turnaround resulted in Pep Guardiola’s men keeping up pressure on Newcastle in the Champions League race.

Just two defeats in 15 away games - one being at the Etihad on Saturday - provides a stern test for the Magpies tonight. Newcastle are aiming to make it six consecutive wins in all competitions and maintain momentum for a top-five finish.

Alexander Isak is without a goal in two games - a drought by his standards - and will face Palace skipper Guehi. Understood to be a Toon target last summer, the 24-year-old is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

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Talks of an extension are on ice while the Eagles navigate an end to the season that could see them crowned FA Cup winners - a first major honour in their history. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Glasner acknowledged Guehi’s return as being crucial to shoring up the backline.

“First of all, you miss the captain,” he said. “You miss Marc, we miss him. But I think it would be too easy, and we are never looking for excuses, because it can happen that a player is missing a game.

“But it was not Marc, or missing Marc, it was not the key reason, it was not just in defending. When you see the first big chance from Omar Marmoush in a transition, it is one of our biggest strengths that we are very well organised behind the ball in our defence, and here he is 15 yards behind Kevin de Bruyne. It is completely unusual for us.

“We showed the players clips where we couldn't see them on the screen, because we didn't push up quickly enough and I don't know why, it just happened. We showed them this, and we know that we will do it better tomorrow.”

Glasner also highlighted the magnitude of their Wembley semi-final against Aston Villa later this month. The Austrian added: “Great, it's great. It's great for Crystal Palace, it's great for everyone. I think we are in one of the best situations in Crystal Palace’s history now, being mid-April and not having to look at what happens behind you and being a little bit worried about getting relegated.

“I can remember last season, otherwise I wouldn't be sitting here. Being in a fantastic position in the league, playing the semi-finals in 10 days in the FA Cup, having almost everyone available and fit. It's a great period for Crystal Palace of all time. 

“This is what we are playing for - it's not to feel pressure from it, it's just to feel enthusiasm, to feel energy. It's very positive, you can feel pressure when you play to not get relegated, but there is a very positive thing we can achieve and this is what I want to see.”

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