Crystal Palace striker Eddie Nketiah will miss this weekend’s Community Shield clash against Liverpool after sustaining a thigh injury during pre-season.
Nketiah, who was born in England to Ghanaian parents and remains eligible to play for the Black Stars despite representing the Three Lions, suffered the setback in Palace’s friendly defeat to Augsburg.
The 26-year-old was forced off after complaining of discomfort in his thigh, with scans later confirming a muscular issue that will sideline him for several weeks.
The development is a significant blow for manager Oliver Glasner as Palace prepare to face the Premier League champions at Wembley on Sunday.
The fixture, which pits last season’s league winners against the FA Cup holders, marks the official curtain-raiser for the 2025/26 campaign. While Liverpool have spent in excess of £300 million this summer to strengthen their squad, Palace’s spending has remained under £3 million, underlining the contrasting financial clout between the two clubs ahead of the new season.
Nketiah’s absence further complicates Palace’s preparations, as Glasner also deals with the club’s ongoing appeal against UEFA’s decision to block their Europa League participation.
With fixtures in Europe and the Premier League approaching rapidly, losing a key attacking option will test the Eagles’ depth.
According to multiple reports, Nketiah is expected to be out for up to six weeks.
This timeline would see him miss critical league fixtures against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, as well as European qualifying ties against either Norwegian outfit Fredrikstad or Denmark’s Midtjylland.
