Crystal Palace Coach Confirms Shadi Riad's Return to Squad for Alkmaar Match, Explains: "He Will Be With the Group But Won't Play"

Crystal Palace coach Oliver Glasner announced positive news regarding Moroccan international Shadi Riad, confirming that he was cleared to participate in team training yesterday, Tuesday. Riad is now expected to be included in the squad for Thursday's match against Alkmaar.

Shadi Riad had been sidelined for a significant period, with his last appearance for Crystal Palace dating back to January. He had been absent due to an anterior cruciate ligament tear.

Speaking at the pre-Alkmaar match press conference, Glasner stated: "Yesterday, Shadi Riad was allowed to train with the team, and he completed sessions yesterday and today."

Glasner added: "He will be in the squad for tomorrow's game. I spoke with him, and it's just about putting on the shirt and experiencing the atmosphere at Selhurst."

He continued: "Honestly, he won't get any playing minutes, but now we have to build him up gradually, by training with him and playing a few minutes with the U21 team to regain match rhythm. It's important that he gradually reaches his best level, and he will have all our support."

Glasner further noted: "It's important that we don't talk about him daily and expect his return within a week or two. He has been out of action for almost a year and a half."

The Crystal Palace coach elaborated: "Of course, this week was a milestone for him. I also suffered some injuries in my career, and I always trained in the gym while watching the other players on the field."

He concluded: "It gives you a morale boost when you can play football; that's what you love to do and what you're still here for. I am 100% sure that this will give him a morale boost, but now it's about being patient and taking it step by step."