LONDON, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner said he will heavily rotate his squad for the club's next two matches to protect player welfare.
Palace host Finland's KuPS in the UEFA Europa Conference League on Thursday before traveling to Leeds United in the Premier League just 48 hours later on Saturday. The Leeds match was brought forward from Sunday by the Premier League because Palace face Arsenal in the EFL Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday, Dec. 23.
Glasner said it would be "irresponsible" to name the same starting XI twice in such a short period, particularly with a congested schedule ahead.
"No player will start against KuPS and Leeds," said Glasner. "I and we all feel responsible for the players' welfare.
"We will start with two completely different teams, but of course the minutes will be shared a little bit if this is possible.
"I always want to play the best team from the first until the last minute, but this game demands this from us, so that is why we will do it," he said.
Crystal Palace are currently fifth in the Premier League and ninth in the Conference League, just outside the automatic qualification places for the last 16. ■
