In a bittersweet turn of events, Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi and midfielder Adam Wharton both missed the team's FA Cup celebration party after being taken to the hospital following their historic victory. The match, held at Wembley, saw Palace triumph over Manchester City with a score of 1-0, marking the club's first major trophy win.
During the intense second half, Guehi, a key figure in the team's defense, was substituted after sustaining a blow to the eye. Despite the injury, the 24-year-old centre-back showcased his leadership by guiding his teammates up the iconic Wembley steps to lift the trophy in front of jubilant fans. However, post-match concerns arose regarding a potential fractured eye socket, especially after Guehi reported slight loss of vision.
Fortunately, initial tests have indicated that Guehi managed to avoid a fracture, although he did sustain severe bruising. This injury casts doubt on his availability for the final two Premier League matches of the season. Nevertheless, the young defender is expected to recover in time for England's upcoming fixtures against Andorra and Senegal on June 7 and June 10, respectively.
After spending the night under medical supervision, Guehi was discharged around midnight, which unfortunately led to him missing the team's celebratory gathering at Boxpark, conveniently located near Wembley Stadium. His absence was felt deeply by the team and supporters alike, as they celebrated this historic achievement.
Guehi was not the only player to miss the post-match festivities. Adam Wharton, Guehi's fellow teammate and England international, also found himself in a hospital bed. Wharton was taken for concussion evaluations after a powerful shot from Kevin de Bruyne struck him on the back of the head during the match.
In a show of resilience and humor, Wharton shared a photo of himself in a hospital robe on his Instagram account late Saturday night, keeping fans updated about his condition. As the team and its supporters celebrated their remarkable FA Cup victory, both players' health situations served as a reminder of the physical toll that competitive football can take.
As Crystal Palace looks ahead to the final matches of the season and their successful FA Cup campaign, the health and well-being of players like Guehi and Wharton will remain a priority. Fans are hopeful for a quick recovery for both players so they can contribute to their team's future successes.
