Will Eze Play Tonight? Crystal Palace Star Set to Miss Conference League Clash as Arsenal Move Nears

Crystal Palace fans asking “will Eze play tonight?” in the Europa Conference League have their answer — and it’s not the one they wanted.

The latest reports indicate that Eberechi Eze will NOT feature against Fredrikstad FK as his £68 million move to Arsenal edges closer.

The 27-year-old had been hopeful of playing in Palace’s first-ever European fixture, but with his transfer to the Emirates all but sealed, neither club is willing to risk injury.

The Gunners swooped in late to hijack Tottenham’s pursuit of the England international, agreeing terms with both Palace and the player.

Spurs were convinced they had wrapped up a deal until Arsenal’s dramatic intervention on Wednesday.

Crystal Palace Team News for Conference League

Now, with the Conference League play-off first leg set to kick off at Selhurst Park on Thursday, Oliver Glasner will need to shuffle his pack.

The Austrian head coach has several options to step into the attack, with Justin Devenny and Romain Esse both pushing for minutes.

Devenny replaced Eze late on in Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Chelsea, while Esse — a highly rated former Millwall youngster — could be handed a big opportunity on a historic night at Selhurst Park.

Palace captain Marc Guehi has been the subject of strong transfer interest from Liverpool, but Glasner confirmed the defender will start against Fredrikstad.

Midfielder Daichi Kamada remains a doubt after missing the Chelsea game with a knee problem, while Eddie Nketiah, Matheus Franca, and Cheick Doucoure are long-term absentees.

Despite Eze’s absence, the Eagles remain strong favourites with to progress. Glasner will be looking for attacking inspiration from Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who has been tipped to get on the scoresheet in our Crystal Palace vs Fredrikstad FK bet builder tips.

A convincing first-leg win would give Palace the perfect platform ahead of next week’s return fixture in Norway.

Will Eze Still Be At Selhurst Park?

While Eze won’t be risked tonight, Palace supporters will still be hoping their talisman is at Selhurst Park in some form.

After five years at the club, fans would love the chance to give him a proper send-off before he departs for Arsenal.

The move will take Arsenal’s summer spending well past the £250 million mark, with Eze joining Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga as arrivals.

What Happens Next For Arsenal and Eze

Mikel Arteta is expected to have Eze available quickly once the deal is completed, with a possible debut against Leeds United this weekend.

His versatility — able to play on the left wing, in central midfield, or as a No.10 — makes him an exciting addition to a squad already transformed this summer.

But the Gunners’ transfer business may not be done yet. Speculation is mounting that Gabriel Martinelli could be sold to fund another blockbuster deal, with Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Lyon’s Malick Fofana among the names being monitored.

Eze’s arrival is also expected to have ripple effects across North London and beyond, particularly for Tottenham and Manchester City’s own transfer plans.