Crystal Palace to Lose Ismaïla Sarr Until November International Break

Crystal Palace expect to be without Ismaïla Sarr until the November international break as the winger continues his recovery from a groin problem, leaving Pierre Sage short of another attacking option for a demanding run of fixtures.

Sarr set to miss three matches

The Senegal international has featured only five times in all competitions this season after finishing the previous campaign as the Conference League’s leading scorer. Palace have lost just one of the five matches in which he has played, compared with five defeats across the eight games he has missed.

Sage indicated that Sarr, 28, is unlikely to return before the next international window.

“I expect him back after the international break,” the Palace manager said when asked for an update.

• Tottenham away in the Premier League on Sunday
• Hoffenheim at home in the Europa League
• Liverpool at Selhurst Park before the international pause

Mateta available as other players near returns

Jean-Philippe Mateta did not start Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory at Fulham, but Sage confirmed the forward was rested and is ready to lead the line against Tottenham.

There was encouraging news elsewhere in the squad ahead of the trip to north London:

• Jorgen Strand Larsen is recovering from the ankle injury suffered during last week’s 2-2 draw with Besiktas and was due to train with the squad on Thursday afternoon.
• Quinten Timber could be involved against Spurs.
• Captain Dean Henderson came through his first start after injury in the Fulham win and is expected to be available.

Sage focuses on points rather than opponents

Palace are one point and one place above the relegation zone before facing Tottenham, with Sage under pressure despite the midweek cup result. The club’s subsequent league fixtures against Coventry and Hull may appear more favourable on paper, but the manager insisted Palace cannot target particular opponents while their league position remains precarious.

Sage said every point carries the same value, whether it comes against Tottenham, Liverpool or any other side. He added that Palace must approach league and cup competitions with the same commitment, explaining that Wednesday’s extensive rotation was intended both to beat Fulham and to keep players fresh for Saturday’s preparation and Sunday’s match.

The manager described that approach as positive so far, but said it now needs to deliver the objective set at the start of the week.

Cup display must translate to league form

Sage viewed the Fulham result as evidence of the squad’s mentality, though he cautioned against treating it as a direct guide to the Tottenham game after making 10 changes to his side.

He said the differing personnel and opposition make direct comparisons difficult. Even so, the performance gave the group confidence that it can reach that level. The remaining challenge, he said, is to reproduce it in the Premier League, where Palace have not yet done so consistently.