Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has confirmed that Jean-Philippe Mateta is ready to start Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 GMT.
Mateta was rested for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Fulham after playing two 60-minute periods in the previous seven days. Sage said the forward had been managed because he would normally play two 30-minute periods across that timeframe.
Ismaila Sarr will not be available for the trip to north London and is expected to remain out until after the November international break. Palace could receive some positive team news elsewhere, however, with Jorgen Strand Larsen due back in first-team training on Thursday and Quinten Timber expected to return on Friday. Both players may be involved this weekend.
Sage also praised the Palace players who helped the rotated side reach the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, saying some had used the match to demonstrate their level and give him more options. He was pleased to see Cheick Doucoure enjoying his return to action after a long recovery from a meniscus tear, including sharing the occasion with supporters.
The Palace boss said the team needed stability and a collective style while still allowing players to use their own ideas on the pitch. He also thanked supporters who had chanted his name, although he said their backing was more important for the team as a whole.
Sage recognised Tottenham’s ambition after their £300m summer spending and believes Roberto De Zerbi’s side has improved after needing time to develop together. With Palace only one point above the relegation zone and facing Tottenham and Liverpool before matches against Coventry City and Hull City, Sage stressed that every point matters and that his team cannot choose which fixtures to prioritise.
