Crystal Palace Coach Explains Shadi Riad's Absence from Alkmaar Match

Oliver Glasner, coach of English club Crystal Palace, has revealed the reason for Moroccan defender Shadi Riad's absence from his team's match against Alkmaar, despite his return to training after a long period sidelined by injury.

Glasner stated in the press conference following the 3-1 victory over Alkmaar: "Shadi Riad trained on Wednesday, then he slipped and had a slight reaction in his knee. I spoke with him, and he preferred to watch the match from the stands."

The Austrian coach had previously confirmed in the pre-match press conference that Shadi Riad would return to the squad for the Alkmaar game, indicating that he would be with the group but would not participate.

Shadi Riad had been sidelined for a long time after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament tear, with his last appearance in a Crystal Palace shirt dating back to January.

The Moroccan player's gradual return to training marks an important step towards regaining full fitness, as he awaits his official return to competitive action in the coming weeks.