A new injury to Shadi Riad raises concern at the opening of the Premier League

Moroccan international defender Shadi Riad left the pitch on a stretcher, during his Crystal Palace team's match against Everton at the opening of the new season of the Premier League, after suffering an injury in the 72nd minute while trying to counter a shot from Everton striker Thierno sp;Barry. Crystal Palace's medical staff had to take Riyad out after lying on the pitch for minutes, replacing him with Japanese defender Takehiro Tomyasu, in a match that ended in a 0-2 loss for the London team. Medical Doctor Under Examination Crystal Palace coach Pierre Sage said after the meeting that he does not yet know the exact nature of the injury, saying: "Currently I do not know, I hope it is less serious than we fear, we are waiting for the results of medical tests." The club has not yet issued an official diagnosis of the extent of the damage to the player. A history of injuries This new injury brings to the fore concerns linked to Riyad's history of physical trouble since joining Crystal Palace, where he suffered two serious knee injuries, the first in August 2024 against Norwich City, and the second torn in the cruciate ligament in January 2025, which kept him away from the stadiums for about 430 days in total. The player had only recently regained his fitness, and participated with the Moroccan team in the 2026 World Cup, before the fears of injury returned to him again with his English team. Why does it matter Black Atlas Riyad's health is especially important for the Moroccan team, which relies on him as one of the pillars of the defense line, in light of upcoming sporting entitlements that require the readiness of the main players. The technical staff of the national team and Crystal Palace Club will monitor the results of the medical examinations to determine the size of the injury and the duration of the possible absence from the stadiums.