Crystal Palace defender has suffered a major career blow after scan results confirmed another ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The Moroccan international will now face another extensive spell on the sidelines, potentially ruling him out for the entire 2026/27 season.
The setback occurred during Palace’s Premier League opening defeat against Everton. Riad was forced off during the match, and subsequent medical tests confirmed the full extent of the damage.
This marks the latest in a series of severe knee injuries for the centre-back since his arrival at Selhurst Park in the summer of 2024.
- August – December 2024: Missed nearly four months due to an initial knee injury.
- January – December 2025: Ruptured his ACL shortly after returning, keeping him out of action for 326 days.
- August 2026: Suffered his second ACL rupture, which is expected to keep him sidelined until mid-2027.
By the time Riad completes his recovery from this latest tear, he will have missed nearly two and a half years of football out of his three-year tenure at the club. Medical reports indicate that while it is uncommon to suffer back-to-back ACL injuries in such a short window, individuals with a history of ligament tears face an elevated risk of damaging the opposite knee.
Chadi Riad: 2025/26 Season Statistics
| Metric | Average / Total |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 9 |
| Tackles | 0.9 per game |
| Interceptions | 0.7 per game |
| Clearances | 3.1 per game |
The news poses a significant tactical challenge for manager Pierre Sage as Palace look to build momentum following the departure of former manager Oliver Glasner. Glasner previously praised Riad’s resilience during his first ACL recovery, highlighting his exceptional work ethic and positive attitude throughout a lengthy rehab process. Palace will now need Riad to draw on that same mental fortitude as he begins another long road to recovery.