Conference League Bombshell: Glasner Reveals Real Reason Uche Was Dropped

Glasner clarified that the omission was not due to Uche’s performances but was instead influenced by UEFA squad registration regulations and the club’s January signings at Selhurst Park.

Palace were restricted to naming just 24 players for Europe because only three members of their squad qualify as club-trained. As a result, adjustments had to be made to accommodate new arrivals Brennan Johnson, Jorgen Strand Larsen, and Evann Guessand, all of whom required registration. Ultimately, Uche was the player left out.

Explaining the situation, Glasner noted that UEFA rules require a certain number of association-trained and club-trained players. Caleb Khorha was included to satisfy those criteria, which meant the club could only replace three players in the squad. Since the new additions were attackers, Glasner said he had to maintain balance in the team. Viewing Uche primarily as a No. 9, alongside Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah, the manager decided against removing another forward to create space. Although Uche was disappointed, Glasner said he understood the reasoning and has continued training professionally.

The 22-year-old joined Palace on a season-long loan from Getafe CF last summer. Despite arriving with high expectations, he has struggled for regular game time, starting just three matches and accumulating 491 minutes across all competitions.

European fixtures had provided a platform for him to impress. In December, he scored in a 3-0 victory over Shelbourne and later netted a fine goal in a 2-2 draw against KuPS. His strike in that match won Palace’s Goal of the Month award for December, securing 75.6 percent of the fan vote.

However, his Premier League involvement has been limited. His loan deal reportedly contains an obligation-to-buy clause that would activate if he started 10 league matches this season—a target that now appears increasingly out of reach.

The £43 million signing of Strand Larsen from Wolverhampton Wanderers has intensified competition in attack, and Jean-Philippe Mateta is also expected to return before the season concludes. With opportunities narrowing, Uche’s chances of securing consistent first-team football look slim.

Unless there is a significant turnaround, he is likely to return to Getafe at the end of the campaign.