Adam Wharton
CRY
CM
Deep-Lying Playmaker
Feb 6, 2004 (22)
Left
6'0"
170 lb
PalaceReturns in friendly
Wharton (ankle) is starting Saturday's friendly against Freiburg as he has fully recovered from his injury, the club posted.
Analysis: Wharton had missed the trip to Italy for the Como Cup as he continued recovering from an ankle issue, a setback that had also kept him out of the preseason opener against Swindon. His return to the starting lineup against Freiburg confirms his recovery is complete, positioning him to build match fitness as Palace ends preseason preparations under new coach Pierre Sage.
Not expected to travel to Como
Wharton is not expected to travel with Crystal Palace's squad to Como as he continues to recover from his ankle injury, according to Bobby Manzi of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Wharton had already missed the preseason opener against Swindon with the same issue, a setback that came after he appeared to have recovered from a similar problem late last season. His continued absence suggests the club wants to be extra careful with his recovery, and his path back into full training and match action will be worth monitoring as Crystal Palace continues its preseason preparations under new coach Pierre Sage.
Suffers from ankle knock
Wharton missed Saturday's friendly against Swindon due to an ankle knock, according to Bobby Manzi of the Daily Mail.
Analysis: Wharton had appeared fully recovered from a similar issue late last season, closing out the campaign with a Conference League title and finishing with one goal and six assists across 49 appearances in all competitions. His absence from the preseason opener is a new setback to monitor, and further clarity on the severity of the issue should emerge as Crystal Palace continues preparations under new coach Pierre Sage.
Solid return in UECL final
Wharton (ankle) took one shot (one on target), delivered four crosses (one accurate) and created two scoring chances in Wednesday's UEFA Conference League finale against Rayo Vallecano.
Analysis: Wharton helped his side end the season with a title in the European tournament, showing he's fully recovered from the knock he picked up in the last Premier League game. The midfielder completed a strong campaign, recording one goal and six assists over 49 matches played in all competitions. He had his playing time managed toward the end, taking part in a rotation with Daichi Kamada and Will Hughes. Still, Wharton managed to stay productive as one of the team's main set-piece takers.
Traveling for final
Wharton (ankle) is questionable for Wednesday's match against Rayo Vallecano, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "But they were available today in training, and that's a good sign. We still have 36 hours before the gam,e and the medical department will work hard [to get them ready]. They will work hard until late into the night. I will talk to them again tomorrow morning, and if the player doesn't feel 100% fit, then they won't start. They have pain, but I think many of the players have pain at the end of a long season. Everybody wants to participate. So the final decision will be taken tomorrow."
Analysis: Wharton had to leave the field in the season finale with an ankle injury, but appears to be set for play in the Conference League final, as he is traveling with the team. This is a major return for the club, as he is not only a starter but a key playmaker in the middle of the pitch. If fully fit, he will be tasked with starting from the jump, a bright sign for the Eagles as they head into the final.
Exits Arsenal game with ankle knock
Wharton appeared as a substitute in Sunday's 2-1 loss to Arsenal but left after suffering a blow to his ankle, as manager Oliver Glasner wanted to take every precaution ahead of Wednesday's Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano, stating that "his ankle is a bit sore. He [Wharton] always gives positive signals, but the real answer we'll get tomorrow after he's had one night of sleep. Hopefully it's not too bad an he's available for Wednesday."
Analysis: Wharton is initially reported to be dealing with a minor blow despite limping off the field during the Premier League season finale. However, he could be at risk of having his involvement limited in the decisive European match, which would mark the end of a strong campaign for the midfielder. He has been in and out of the starting lineup lately in domestic action, but he remains a productive playmaker whenever he's on the pitch, taking plenty of his side's set pieces. Will Hughes and Daichi Kamada would likely stay put in central roles, with both Hughes and Yeremy Pino taking on a bigger role in set pieces if Wharton is forced to miss time.
Scores goal in draw
Wharton scored one goal to go with four shots (two on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Brentford.
Analysis: Wharton netted his first goal for Crystal Palace in the second half of Sunday's draw against Brentford, driving a low left-footed strike from the edge of the box that squeezed through Caoimhin Kelleher's hands after Daniel Munoz set him up on a quick counter. He also walked away with Player of the Match honors, stacking up multiple season bests with four chances created and four shots while consistently looking dangerous in a commanding midfield performance. Wharton has now been directly involved in six Premier League goals this season across 33 appearances.
Solid in Sunday's draw
Wharton registered two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (two accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Everton.
Analysis: Wharton was active on both ends of the pitch Sunday, highlighted by his two chances created and two accurate crosses. He also took two off-target shots and three corners on the attack. On the defensive end he won one tackle and made two clearances in his full 90 minutes of action.
Starting in midfield
Wharton (groin) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Liverpool.
Analysis: Wharton was confirmed fit after training without any issues, with coach Oliver Glasner handing him a starting role ahead of the Anfield trip after any doubts were put to rest following his precautionary absence against West Ham. The midfielder had missed that fixture after showing minor clinical symptoms following the Conference League clash against Fiorentina, but his clean training sessions in the days since have cleared the way for his return. His presence gives Glasner his preferred midfield options for one of the toughest remaining fixtures on Crystal Palace's calendar.
Fit and available Saturday
Wharton (groin) was confirmed fit for Saturday's clash against Liverpool after training without any issues, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "Adam is good. He is fit and trained yesterday without any issues. So he'll be available for Liverpool."
Analysis: Wharton had missed the West Ham clash as a precaution after showing minor clinical symptoms following the Conference League clash against Fiorentina, but his clean team training sessions puts any doubts to rest ahead of the Anfield trip. The midfielder is an important piece of Crystal Palace's engine room and his availability gives coach Glasner his preferred midfield options for one of the toughest remaining fixtures on the Eagles' calendar.
Expected back Saturday
Wharton (groin) could have a chance to return to action in the next visit to Liverpool after manager Oliver Glasner said "He should be back [for Liverpool away on Saturday] - it was mostly a precaution more or less, [he showed] a little bit of clinical symptoms. I expect him back on Thursday in training when we start to prepare for the Liverpool game and he should be available.", the club reported.
Analysis: Wharton missed Monday's draw against West Ham with the issue he picked up during the previous Conference League clash against Fiorentina. However, he's is now hopeful to avoid a longer absence, which would be great news for the squad's midfield depth. As soon as he's ready to play, he'll compete for minutes with Will Hughes, Jefferson Lerma and Daichi Kamada.
Not an option Monday
Wharton (groin) is out for Monday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Wharton was forced off in Conference League play last week and will now be sidelined for their next match, not on the team sheet to face West Ham. This is unfortunate for the club, as they will have to do without a regular starter in the midfield, a continuous struggle after only a bench role in his past two appearances. The hope now is that he will make it for the weekend when facing Liverpool on Saturday, leaving Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes to start in the midfield.
Forced off Thursday
Wharton left Thursday's UEFA Conference League visit to Fiorentina in the first due to injury.
Analysis: Wharton has picked up a potential fitness problem which puts his participation in doubt for the next clash with West Ham. The midfielder recently dropped to a bench role for the last couple of league games, with Will Hughes and Jefferson Lerma favored over him, so those two players should continue to get the nod if Wharton is unavailable in the near future. He's battled groin injuries in the past, and it's possible it's bugging him again as the season winds down.
Plays 90 against Fiorentina
Wharton started and played the full 90 in Thursday's 3-0 win over Fiorentina.
Analysis: Wharton was in the starting XI Thursday after he suffered a knock with the England national team, returning from the injury. He would play the full 90 minutes before a substitution in extra time, appearing to be at full fitness again as they dominated the Italian club. The midfielder should continue as a starter in the middle of the field moving forward, recording five assists in 27 appearances (26 starts) this season.
Available Thursday
Wharton (knock) trained all week and is available for Thursday's Conference League clash against Fiorentina, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "He had a minor adductor issue with England but it's all sorted. He trained the whole week and is available tomorrow"
Analysis: Wharton is available for Thursday's Conference League clash against Fiorentina after training all week. The midfielder remains a key piece in midfield, having started 26 of his 27 Premier League appearances this season while recording five assists, and his availability is a major boost for the Eagles.
Suffers knock
Wharton has withdrawn from the England national team due to a knock, according to his team.
Analysis: Wharton is back in London for the rest of the international break, not being risked after suffering a knock. The good thing about the situation is that it appears to be minor and is likely just cautionary, hopefully warranting a return when Palace takes the field again. It will still be something to watch, one of the club's more critical players.
Five crosses Sunday
Wharton had two shots (zero on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and three corners in Sunday's 0-0 draw against Leeds United.
Analysis: Wharton was more of a block in the midfield in a scoreless match Sunday, with his best moments coming with his five crosses. This comes after two assists last time out, still with only five goal contributions in 27 appearances this season, more of a holding midfielder.
Assists twice Thursday
Wharton assisted twice to go with two shots (one on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one corner in Thursday's 3-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Wharton came up big at the end of the first half Thursday as he recorded two assists during stoppage time to give Palace a commanding 3-1 lead heading into the halftime break. It marked his first Premier League match with multiple goal contributions, and he now has five assists on the season. He contributed well on the defensive end too as he won five duels and recorded one tackle, one clearance and one blocked shot before he was subbed off in the 81st minute for Will Hughes.
Delivers one assist
Wharton assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Wednesday's 3-2 loss to Burnley.
Analysis: Wharton assisted Jorgen Strand Larsen in the first half of Wednesday's match against Burnley, ending his streak of eight consecutive matches without a goal contribution. He added one key pass and recorded a season-high four clearances in the contest. The midfielder remains a vital presence for his side on both ends of the pitch, tallying three assists and 54 tackles across 23 Premier League appearances this season.
Option again
Wharton is no longer suspended and is an option for the club moving forward.
Analysis: Wharton is no longer banned after one game out, with the midfielder an option to take the field moving forward. He should immediately return to a starting role now that he is an option, as he is a centerpiece of the team and has yet to miss a start when an option, recording two goal contributions in 21 appearances.
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