Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has confirmed that Ismaila Sarr is in contention to make his first start of the season when Nottingham Forest visit Selhurst Park on Sunday.
Sarr, Palace’s leading scorer last season, has made only an eight-minute appearance so far this campaign. Sage said the winger produced his best training session of the week and believes he is now ready to start. He also indicated that discussions over a new contract are progressing, although no deal has yet been signed. Sarr attracted interest from Galatasaray and Liverpool during the transfer window.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, Dean Henderson and Takehiro Tomiyasu will miss the Forest match. Sage said Mateta had completed his first training session with the team after a lengthy absence, describing it as a positive step, but confirmed that the striker would not be available on Sunday. The manager expects all three players to return for either the meeting with Lyon or the subsequent game against Brighton.
Ana Khalaili, meanwhile, has recovered from the hamstring problem she suffered while away on international duty and is ready to play the full match, according to Sage.
The Palace boss also expects an especially strong atmosphere at Selhurst Park, with former manager Oliver Glasner and defender Daniel Munoz returning after leaving the club in the summer. Sage paid tribute to both men, highlighting Glasner’s three titles with Palace, and said he hoped they would receive a positive reception. He believes the closeness between the two teams in the table and their playing styles will add to the occasion, while urging Palace supporters to give the team extra backing.
Sage was also asked about Manchester City’s financial-rules case. He said the matter should now be decided quickly by the relevant court, noting that an appeal remains possible and that delays could affect the rest of the league.
