Crystal Palace are considering repositioning Senegalese winger Ismaïla Sarr as a centre-forward following uncertainty over Jean-Philippe Mateta’s availability.
Mateta is set to miss Sunday’s Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest and could be sidelined permanently amid transfer interest from AC Milan and Nottingham Forest.
The French striker has scored 10 goals in 34 appearances this season, but Crystal Palace reportedly rejected Forest’s €40 million bid, demanding €46 million for his departure.
“Not in the best condition” to play, Mateta will be absent against Forest, prompting manager Oliver Glasner to explore alternative options.
The Eagles have endured a challenging campaign after a promising start.
They won the FA Cup against Manchester City last season and the Community Shield over Liverpool, but have since struggled, including an FA Cup exit in the third round against sixth-tier Macclesfield Town.
Currently on an eleven-match winless streak in all competitions, Crystal Palace sit fifteenth in the Premier League and face a Conference League playoff against HŠK Zrinjski Mostar.
Glasner has indicated he may adjust his tactics to offset Mateta’s absence, hinting at a shift from a three-defender system to a four-man attack.
“We might adopt a slightly different system, a different way of playing. We don’t have a tall, fast striker up front, so we have several options. Christantus Uche is one of them; he’s a bit different. We also have Ismaïla Sarr who can play in that position,” the Austrian manager said.
Sarr, 27, has made 8 goals and 2 assists in 21 appearances this season and could become Crystal Palace’s focal point in attack.
Glasner, who missed the winger during the Africa Cup of Nations, values Sarr’s pace and technical ability and believes he can lead the line effectively.
The club is also reportedly close to signing Wolverhampton striker Jørgen Strand Larsen for €57 million, which could further influence the decision to deploy Sarr as a number nine.
With Mateta’s potential departure and squad changes during a busy winter transfer window, the manager’s tactical flexibility will be crucial as Crystal Palace seeks to halt their recent slump.
