Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage says Jean-Philippe Mateta is ready to return to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Premier League visit to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 GMT.
Mateta was left out of the Carabao Cup victory over Fulham after playing two 60-minute spells in the previous seven days. Sage said the decision was made to manage the striker’s workload, having expected him to play shorter periods instead. Ismaila Sarr, however, is unavailable and is expected to remain out until after the November international break.
Palace could also welcome back Jorgen Strand Larsen and Quinten Timber. Strand Larsen is due to rejoin first-team training on Thursday, followed by Timber on Friday, and both players may be involved against Spurs.
Sage said the rotated team that secured a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals gave him more options, with several players using the match to demonstrate their level. He was also encouraged by Cheick Doucoure’s enjoyment of playing alongside his team-mates and his interaction with supporters after his recovery from a meniscus injury.
The Palace boss said he appreciated fans chanting his name during Wednesday’s match, although he would rather their support remained focused on the team. He also stressed the importance of developing a collective style while allowing players to use their own judgement and creativity.
Sage believes Tottenham’s summer spending demonstrated ambition, while acknowledging that Premier League transfer prices are difficult to compare with those in other leagues. He also feels Roberto De Zerbi’s side have improved after needing time to develop their approach.
With Palace only one point above the relegation zone, Sage said every fixture offers an opportunity to collect points. After facing Tottenham and Liverpool, Palace will meet promoted clubs Coventry City and Hull City, but he insisted the team cannot choose which matches matter more.
