Crystal Palace: a big scare for Chadi Riad, who was carried off on a stretcher in tears

Chadi Riad injured: The start of the season has turned into a nightmare for Moroccan defender Chadi Riad. He was forced off injured and in tears during Crystal Palace’s first Premier League match.

Starting the season opener against Everton, the Moroccan international was forced to leave the pitch on a stretcher following a challenge that immediately raised fears of a serious knee injury.

Chadi Riad injured and forced off

Starting in central defence, Chadi Riad held his place until the 72nd minute before picking up an injury. During a defensive challenge, the Moroccan collapsed, clearly having been hit on the knee.

Crystal Palace’s medical staff attended to him promptly. After a few minutes of treatment on the pitch, the player was eventually carried off on a stretcher.

Footage of Chadi Riad leaving the pitch in tears went viral on social media and stirred strong emotions amongst supporters in both England and Morocco.

An already fragile knee and painful memories

Whilst the exact nature of the injury has not yet been officially disclosed, everything suggests that Chadi Riad’s knee has been affected once again.

This joint had already taken a heavy toll on him. The defender had, in fact, been sidelined for a long period – approximately one and a half years, between August 2024 and January 2026.

This long-term injury had ruled him out of several major tournaments, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations held in Morocco – a competition he had hoped to play in front of a Moroccan home crowd before his physical problems forced him out of the national team.

Having gradually returned to competitive action, Chadi Riad eventually regained his rhythm and his place in the Atlas Lions squad. His return to the national team in March 2026 was seen as a symbol of resilience, with new international fixtures on the horizon.

A major blow for the player, his club and the supporters

For Crystal Palace, Chadi Riad’s injury came on the very first matchday of the Premier League, during a 2-0 defeat to Everton. The London club had been counting on his solidity and anticipation to stabilise their defence this season.

For Moroccan supporters, this latest potential setback rekindles fears of seeing another key defender face a long recovery. The image of the player in tears, his gaze lost, speaks volumes about how difficult this moment is for him.

• He was carried off on a stretcher following a suspected knee injury.
• A history of serious problems with the same joint.
• A long spell on the sidelines between August 2024 and January 2026.
• Missed the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on home soil due to injury.

As yet, the club and the medical staff have not issued a statement regarding the length of the Moroccan defender’s absence, nor on the exact severity of the injury.

Concerns mount whilst awaiting reassuring news

Pending the results of full medical examinations, caution remains the order of the day. The case of the injured Chadi Riad will be closely monitored, both by his club and by the Moroccan national team.

The coming days should reveal the precise nature of the injury and whether the player will, once again, be sidelined for an extended period or whether this is a less serious setback.

In the meantime, messages of support are pouring in for the Moroccan defender, whose mental strength and ability to return to the highest level have already been demonstrated in the past.

Firstly, the authorities are coordinating access around the stadium. Secondly, the teams are securing the stands and the surrounding area.

First, the authorities are coordinating access points around the stadium. Next, the teams are securing the stands and the surrounding area.

First, the authorities are coordinating access around the stadium. Next, teams are securing the stands and the surrounding area.

For further information, see our latest Canal212 news for Moroccans living abroad.

To keep up to date with official updates, see the FRMF’s official announcements.