Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr is expected to be out until after the November international break because of a persistent groin injury. Head coach Pierre Sage has ruled him out of the Tottenham Hotspur game, and the setback also means he is expected to miss the Liverpool fixture on November 8. According to Footballtoday.com.
Sarr’s groin injury deprives Palace of a proven Liverpool threat
Pierre Sage has confirmed that Sarr will not face Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday’s Premier League fixture and is unlikely to return before late November. Asked about a timeline, the Palace head coach said: “I think after the international break.” The winger is not currently fit enough to feature, Sage admitted.
The timing is awkward because of what Sarr has done against Liverpool. He has scored seven career goals against the Merseyside club, including four for Palace last season. Missing the November 8 meeting removes a forward with a strong record in this fixture, which makes the absence particularly disappointing.
Sarr has made only one start across all competitions this term. He played 29 minutes off the bench against Besiktas in the Europa League last week, then missed the defeat to Newcastle United and the Carabao Cup win over Fulham. His first start of the season came against Lyon earlier this month, but he suffered another setback after about an hour.
Sage has said the problem is limiting the explosive running that defines Sarr’s game. The manager noted that the attacker “runs less, especially with high speed runs”. Dwight McNeil has therefore been given more opportunities as Palace adjust their attacking approach, while Sarr’s fitness has stopped him building on last season’s form.
That form made him the club’s player of the year, and he drew transfer interest from Liverpool and Galatasaray in the summer before staying at Selhurst Park. Palace have since been working towards extending his contract. Elsewhere, Jean-Philippe Mateta is available again after being rested against Fulham, Jorgen Strand Larsen could return from an ankle injury, and Quinten Timber is expected to feature against Tottenham.
Sarr could now target the November 21 meeting with Coventry City for his return, provided his recovery goes without further complications. His continued absence is another setback for Sage as Palace try to improve their inconsistent Premier League form.
