Crystal Palace heads to Istanbul with Ben Chilwell back, but injuries to Tomiyasu, Timber and a sidelined Henderson leave the Eagles scrambling for defensive stability against a high‑scoring Beşiktaş upcoming.
Key takeaways
- Ben Chilwell is back, providing much‑needed experience on the left flank.
- Takehiro Tomiyasu and Quinten Timber are unavailable for the Beşiktaş match.
- Dean Henderson is training but will not play in Thursday’s tie.
- Jaydee Canvot and Axel Disasi must step up to shore up a defense that has let in 17 goals this season.
After a 5-0 defeat at Brighton that exposed defensive frailties, Crystal Palace boarded a plane for Turkey to meet Beşiktaş in the Europa League, aware that the match will test a thin squad.
Manager Pierre Sage confirmed that left‑back Ben Chilwell, absent from the last three matchday squads, is now available, adding European experience and leadership to a backline that struggled in the recent loss.
Chilwell’s comeback boosts backline
Sage also disclosed fresh setbacks: Takehiro Tomiyasu suffers another injury and will miss action until the next international break, while midfielder Quinten Timber is ruled out of the Istanbul trip. Goalkeeper Dean Henderson has trained this week but will not feature in Thursday’s game.
With Tomiyasu unavailable, options are limited. Players such as Jaydee Canvot and Axel Disasi, returning from a domestic suspension, are expected to fill the defensive gaps as Palace has already conceded 17 goals this season.
Key injuries tighten squad options
Fans see Chilwell’s return as a potential spark, yet the absence of Timber and the uncertainty around Henderson leave the Eagles facing a high‑energy Beşiktaş side that has already netted seven goals in its opening two Europa League fixtures.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ben Chilwell fit to play against Beşiktaş?
Pierre Sage confirmed that Ben Chilwell has returned to the squad and is available for selection.
When is Takehiro Tomiyasu expected to return?
Sage said Tomiyasu will remain out until the next international break due to a fresh injury.
Will Dean Henderson be in goal for the Europa League tie?
Henderson has resumed training but Sage indicated he will not be part of Thursday’s matchday squad.
Source: readcrystalpalace.com