Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage believes Jørgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah can fill the gap left by Jean-Philippe Mateta when Liverpool visit Selhurst Park on Sunday, 8 November, with kick-off scheduled for 14:00 GMT.
Mateta was sent off against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend and will miss the Premier League fixture. Strand Larsen returned from injury for Thursday night’s UEFA Europa League draw with TSG Hoffenheim but did not come off the bench. Sage said the forward should be capable of contributing for between 60 and 75 minutes, while Nketiah is another option in attack and can also operate as a No. 10.
Sage pointed to goals from both players in recent matches as evidence of their ability to contribute. Strand Larsen scored against Ipswich and Lech Poznań, while Nketiah found the net against Fulham and Lech Poznań. The manager said Palace have several possible solutions as they prepare to face Liverpool.
There was also an update on Ismaïla Sarr, who has not played since 22 October after dealing with a groin problem earlier in the season. Sage said the winger will return after the international break.
Palace are looking to end a run of four Premier League matches without a win against a Liverpool side currently fifth in the table. Sage acknowledged the inconsistency in his team’s league campaign, citing a match at Leeds in which Walter Benítez made an outstanding save after Palace gave up a major opportunity.
The manager said Palace must continue improving across all areas and remain confident in their work. He described the Liverpool fixture as a major challenge, but also as a chance for the group to create something special.
