Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has confirmed that Dean Henderson and Jean-Philippe Mateta are not expected back before the international break, leaving the club waiting for further updates on both players. Palace travel to Elland Road to face Leeds United on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 BST.
Sage said Henderson’s recovery was clearer than Mateta’s, but he could not provide a firm timeline for either player. He expects to have a better understanding of their situations in around two weeks.
Cheick Doucoure remains available for Premier League selection, despite missing Thursday’s Europa League victory over Lech Poznan. The midfielder was not included in Palace’s European squad list, with Sage explaining that injuries to four players outside the list had made the selection process difficult. Palace could amend the squad in January if they reach the knockout stages.
The win over Poznan brought particular satisfaction for Sage after Palace scored four times through four different players and kept a clean sheet. He believes confidence is improving as the squad regains players and develops more ways to win matches.
Ismaila Sarr returned from injury during the European fixture and could feature again against Leeds, although Sage does not expect him to be ready for a full game. The manager defended the winger after some supporters booed his return, saying Sarr deserved their support and should be allowed to build up his fitness.
Jaydee Canvot is also back in contention after being left out against Ipswich last weekend. Sage said the young player responded well in training, while stressing that talent alone is not enough and that Palace’s emerging players must continue working towards a very high standard.
