Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage says his side have enough attacking options to cope with Jean-Philippe Mateta's suspension against Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 GMT.
Jorgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah are the leading alternatives. Sage believes both can contribute to Palace's pressing, link-up play and finishing, pointing to goals they have scored in recent matches against Ipswich, Lech Poznan and Fulham. He also noted that Nketiah can operate as a number 10, giving Palace another possible solution.
Larsen did not play on Thursday, but Sage said the circumstances of that match did not provide a suitable opportunity to use him. The Palace boss expects the forward to be capable of playing for between 60 and 75 minutes, potentially extending that contribution through his fitness and determination.
Ismaila Sarr remains unavailable, with Sage confirming that the winger is expected to return after the international break following his groin problem. Palace have endured an inconsistent beginning to their Premier League campaign, and Sage acknowledged that positive periods have repeatedly been followed by setbacks.
Despite that frustration, Sage said he would not blame his players and continues to have faith in their daily work. He admitted there is uncertainty in the way Palace are playing and said improvements are needed across the team, while insisting that the group can continue to develop.
Sage described Liverpool as a major test but also an opportunity for Palace to produce something special. He declined to assess Liverpool's recent defeats by Arsenal and Fenerbahce, saying Palace must focus on creating the right conditions from the start of Sunday's match.
