Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton has expressed optimism about his international future following his exclusion from the World Cup squad, while also recovering from an ankle injury sustained in a recent Premier League match. Wharton, who has earned four caps for his country, spoke candidly about his disappointment but remains hopeful of participating in future major tournaments.

The 26-year-old suffered an ankle injury during Palace’s clash with Arsenal on Sunday, an incident that put his availability for the upcoming World Cup in doubt. Despite the setback, Wharton played a crucial role in Palace’s recent Conference League semi-final against a Spanish opponent, delivering a key shot that led to Jean-Philippe Mateta’s decisive goal. He revealed that the injury limited his ability to shoot comfortably in the days leading up to the game, describing how he kept his foot in an ice bucket to manage the pain.

“Hopefully, there will be other tournaments and World Cups I can go to in the future,” Wharton said, reflecting on his current situation. He plans to take a break during the summer, with trips already booked to unwind after a demanding season.

Crystal Palace intends to postpone their Conference League celebrations until after the World Cup, as 11 of their players are expected to be involved in the tournament scheduled to take place in North America later this year. The club aims to properly commemorate their historic first European trophy, balancing celebratory events with the commitments of their international stars.

Wharton’s resilience and pivotal contributions underscore his value to the club, even as he faces challenges on the international stage. With his recovery underway, the midfielder is focused on returning to full fitness and continuing to build his career with both Crystal Palace and his national team.