Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage is waiting on late fitness updates before Sunday’s Premier League visit to Brighton, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 BST at the Amex Stadium.
Sage said he was not yet certain whether goalkeeper Dean Henderson would be available and planned to make a decision after training on Friday. Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ben Chilwell and Takehiro Tomiyasu are also potential options, although the manager stressed that their involvement remains unclear.
The Palace boss was critical of his team’s performance in Thursday’s Europa League defeat by Lyon. He felt the first half allowed the French side to control the match, while Palace’s improved response after the interval came too late to change the outcome.
Sunday’s fixture carries particular importance for Palace supporters because of the rivalry with Brighton. Sage said he had been made aware of its significance from his first day at the club and had spent recent days learning more about the history between the teams. He believes Palace must produce the kind of performance shown in the second halves of their last two matches.
Asked about Palace being associated with the so-called ‘Bermuda triangle’ involving Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth, Sage said the club should remain confident in its board and its approach to selecting and retaining players. He described that strategy as part of Palace’s identity and pointed to the titles won by the club under it.
Sage also compared English football with Ligue 1, saying the Premier League has a higher overall level and that every match presents a significant challenge.
