Crystal Palace could welcome back Ismaïla Sarr and Eddie Nketiah for the club’s first-ever UEFA Europa League fixture on Thursday, according to head coach Pierre Sage.
The Eagles will begin their league-phase campaign against Polish champions Lech Poznań at Selhurst Park, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00 BST. Both attackers have trained with the first team this week and are considered possible selections for the matchday squad.
Sarr, Palace’s leading scorer last season, has not yet played competitively in the current campaign. Nketiah started the club’s opening three matches but was unavailable for Palace’s two home fixtures last week.
Sage indicated that Jean-Philippe Mateta and goalkeeper Dean Henderson are more likely to return after the international break. Both players have been absent, while Sage acknowledged that the recovery timeline for longer-term injuries can vary.
Henderson will not feature against Lech, but Palace confirmed before Sage’s press conference that the club captain has signed a new contract running until 2030. Sage welcomed the long-term commitment and praised Henderson’s goalkeeping ability, leadership and influence within the dressing room, while also recognising the contribution of Palace’s other goalkeepers.
