Crystal Palace head coach Pierre Sage has confirmed that Jean-Philippe Mateta is ready to return to the starting line-up for Saturday’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 17:30 GMT.
Mateta was rested for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup victory over Fulham after playing two 60-minute spells in the previous seven days. Sage said the striker is now prepared to play and start, but Palace will be without Ismaila Sarr, who is not expected to return until after the November international break.
There could be further boosts to the squad, with Jorgen Strand Larsen due back in first-team training on Thursday and Quinten Timber expected to follow on Friday. Sage indicated that both players could be involved against Spurs, while the performances of his rotated cup side have given him more selection options.
Cheick Doucoure was also singled out for praise after enjoying his return to action following a lengthy recovery from a meniscus tear. Sage was encouraged by the midfielder’s enjoyment alongside his team-mates, his pride in wearing the Palace shirt and his interaction with supporters.
Sage also welcomed the backing Palace fans gave him during the cup tie, although he said he would rather see their support directed towards the entire team. He believes the squad is continuing to develop a collective style while retaining the freedom for players to find their own solutions on the pitch.
Tottenham’s reported £300m summer spending was described by Sage as difficult to assess because Premier League transfer prices are generally higher than elsewhere, although he acknowledged the ambition behind it. He also feels Spurs, under Roberto De Zerbi, have improved after needing time to establish their approach. With Palace facing Tottenham and Liverpool before matches against Coventry City and Hull City, Sage stressed that every point matters and that his side cannot choose which fixtures to prioritise.
