Evann Guessand returns to training but set to miss Palace game

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed Ivory Coast defender Evann Guessand will not play a part as the Premier League outfit take on Shakhtar Donetsk in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League semifinal on Thursday.

While delivering the status of his squad ahead of the fixture, Glasner revealed Palace will be without Guessand and Borna Sosa, as the duo continue their rehabilitation from injury.

Guessand has missed Palace’s last six games in all competitions with a knee injury, while Sosa did not travel to Bournemouth last weekend after suffering a knock.

Guessand pictured with heavy strapping

Guessand was pictured with heavy strapping on his right leg as Palace trained on Wednesday, while there was no sign of Sosa at Copers Cope.

“Evann trained today but just partly. It’s too early, so he doesn’t make the squad tomorrow. We have to decide on a daily basis,” Glasner told Palace website.

On Guessand returning to training, Glasner said: “It is nice (to see him back training). Let’s say the last part of the rehab is getting integrated into team training.

“We don’t have a lot of training, so that’s why we really use every training we have. “It is different if you train individually. He is still doing work with the rehab coach individually, and when you are part of team training, this is what he needs now. Like always, player welfare is most important.”

The Ivorian star has scored twice in 11 games in all competitions since arriving at Palace in January.

Guessand is a product of the Nice academy, and progressed through their youth and B sides to the first team, before transferring to Aston Villa in 2025. He also spent time on loan at Lausanne-Sport and Nantes earlier in his career.

Born in France, Guessand was a regular French youth international up to U-19 level, before switching to the Ivory Coast in 2024.