Shadi Riad’s return to the Crystal Palace starting line-up ended prematurely after the Morocco defender suffered another injury during his side’s 2-0 defeat by Everton.
Riad was carried from the field on a stretcher during the second half after appearing to injure his left leg while attempting to intercept a cross from Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko.
The incident overshadowed Crystal Palace’s opening Premier League fixture, with the club now waiting for further medical assessments to determine the extent of the injury.
Riad fell to the ground after trying to cut out Mykolenko’s cross and immediately appeared to be in discomfort. He was seen holding his left leg as Palace’s medical staff came onto the pitch to assess him.
After receiving treatment, the defender was unable to continue. Medical staff eventually used a stretcher to carry him from the field, prompting renewed concern over his fitness.
Crystal Palace have not yet released an official statement confirming the nature or severity of Riad’s latest injury.
The setback is particularly concerning because the Morocco international has already endured a prolonged period on the sidelines since joining Palace.
Riad’s difficult injury history
The latest problem follows two serious injuries that disrupted Riad’s previous two seasons and significantly limited his involvement for the club.
His injury troubles began in August 2024 when he suffered a knee problem during Crystal Palace’s League Cup match against Norwich City. The injury kept him out of action until December that year.
Riad’s return was short-lived, however, as he subsequently suffered a cruciate ligament injury during training.
That injury required another lengthy rehabilitation programme and kept him away from competitive football for an extended period.
According to data from Transfermarkt, Riad has missed a combined 430 days because of his two previous injuries. His cruciate ligament problem accounted for the largest portion of that absence, with the defender sidelined for 326 days.
The prolonged spell away from football also had a significant psychological impact on the Moroccan.
Earlier this year, Riad reflected on the difficulties he experienced during his rehabilitation. The defender said that it was a very, very tough time mentally, while also describing his return to the pitch as a hugely emotional moment.
He said he felt like a footballer again after finally being able to play following such a lengthy absence.
Return cut short
Riad had worked his way back into Crystal Palace’s plans following his treatment and rehabilitation.
The Moroccan was handed a starting place by new manager Pierre Saag for the Premier League opener against Everton, giving him an opportunity to rebuild his rhythm and establish himself in the team again.
Instead, his comeback ended in another worrying moment.
The defender’s departure on a stretcher leaves Palace waiting for more information before determining how serious the latest setback might be and whether he will face another extended period out of action.
The injury also came at the end of a disappointing afternoon for Palace, who were beaten 2-0 by Everton at Hill Dickenson Stadium.
The defeat means the club’s start to the new Premier League campaign has been made more difficult, while attention now turns to Riad’s medical condition.
For the Moroccan defender, who has already spent 430 days on the sidelines because of injury, the immediate priority will be discovering whether the latest problem is a short-term setback or another lengthy interruption to his career.
