Crystal Palace are preparing for an unusual three-week gap between matches, with Oliver Glasner confirming plans to organise a friendly ahead of their Conference League quarter-final against Fiorentina.
The Eagles secured their place in the last eight after an extra-time win over Larnaca on 13 March 2026, but will not play another competitive fixture until hosting Fiorentina at Selhurst Park on 9 April 2026.
Crystal Palace plan friendly during break before Fiorentina clash
Palace were originally scheduled to face Manchester City on 21 March 2026, but the fixture was postponed due to City’s involvement in the Carabao Cup final. That has left Glasner’s side with a 21-day gap between matches.
To maintain fitness and match sharpness, the Palace manager confirmed a friendly will be arranged during the international break.
“We are looking forward to really making the best of these three weeks because our next competitive game is against Fiorentina at Selhurst Park.” — Oliver Glasner, per TNT Sports
“We will prepare and make a friendly to stay in the rhythm.” — Oliver Glasner
Managing rhythm during international break
A number of Palace players will be away on international duty, limiting the time the full squad can work together. Glasner acknowledged the challenge but remains focused on ensuring the team are ready for a demanding end to the season.
Based on recent matches we’ve covered, Palace have relied heavily on momentum during their European run, making this break a potential disruption if not managed carefully.
However, it remains too early to determine whether the extended gap will benefit recovery or impact performance levels.
Boost expected with Nketiah return
Glasner also indicated that Eddie Nketiah is expected to return to the squad following the break, which would provide an additional attacking option ahead of a busy schedule.
“I expect Eddie Nketiah back so everybody will help us because then it will be a very tight schedule until the end of the season.” — Oliver Glasner
With European fixtures and domestic commitments ahead, squad depth is likely to play a key role in Palace’s final stretch.
Fiorentina challenge awaits
Fiorentina arrive as experienced competitors in the Conference League, having reached the final in both 2022 and 2023. They secured their quarter-final spot with a 4-2 aggregate win over Raków Częstochowa.
Despite their European pedigree, their domestic situation remains uncertain as they continue to battle near the bottom of Serie A.
The upcoming tie will mark the first meeting between the clubs since their 2-2 draw in the Anglo-Italian Cup in May 1973.
Key Insights
- Crystal Palace face a 21-day gap between competitive matches
- Oliver Glasner plans a friendly to maintain match fitness
- Eddie Nketiah is expected to return after the break
- Fiorentina bring strong European experience into the tie
- The first leg will take place on 9 April 2026
What’s Next
Crystal Palace will use the international break to balance rest and preparation, with a friendly scheduled to maintain rhythm. The focus will then shift fully to Fiorentina, with training intensity expected to increase in the days leading up to the quarter-final.
The first leg at Selhurst Park on 9 April 2026 will be crucial in shaping the tie, with Palace aiming to take an advantage into the return leg in Italy.
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