Crystal Palace boss asked whether trio could start in Doncaster FA Cup clash – updates on Esse, Chilwell and Wharton

Oliver Glasner says both Adam Wharton and Ben Chilwell are ready to start Crystal Palace’s fourth round FA Cup clash at Doncaster on Monday night.

But the Eagles boss has admitted it is only likely that one of the duo will start the game against the League Two side.

Left wing-back Chiwell joined the Eagles on deadline day on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.

But the Champions Leauge winner has only played once this season for the Blues in the EFL Cup and has not made a Premier League appearance since April 2024.

Wharton made his first appearance in three months following groin surgery after he was brought on in the 88th minute in the 2-0 win at Manchester United on Sunday.

“Both are ready to start,” said Glasner.

“But I don’t want to play that both have to come off at half-time. 

“We would have to plan two subs at half-time, and we only have three opportunities to make them.

“You never know what happens in a game. If you ask me now, I have to think more in detail about it, but my feeling is that it’s not a good idea to start both at the same time when both are not available for 90 minutes. 

“Maybe on Sunday I will have a different opinion.”

Romain Esse is yet to make his first start since joining from Millwall during the winter transfer window.

He netted as a substitute with his very first Crystal Palace touch in the 2-1 defeat at home to Brentford but was left on the bench at Old Trafford.

“It’s possible,” said Glasner when asked if Esse could start from the off against Doncaster.

“But there are many things to consider for us. It’s different [if the game] was during the week – then you might have to manage the minutes.

“You have to consider keeping players in a rhythm and giving players minutes. We can’t expect Adam Wharton or Ben Chilwell to play 90 minutes.

“There are many things we are thinking about. We will decide at the latest when you have to tell the players – noon on Monday.

“But he is doing well in training but all the others are as well.”

PICTURE: ALAMY