Ismaïla Sarr remains sidelined as Pierre Sage provides Crystal Palace update

Ismaïla Sarr remains unavailable for Crystal Palace after manager Pierre Sage confirmed the Senegal international is not yet ready to return to competitive action.

Sarr has not played a single minute for the Eagles since the start of the season and was again absent from the squad for Tuesday night’s 3-0 League Cup victory over Middlesbrough.

The Senegalese forward’s continued absence was addressed by Sage after the match, with the Crystal Palace manager providing an update on the condition that has prevented the club’s leading scorer from last season from returning to the team.

Sage confirmed that Sarr is still dealing with a groin problem and has not yet reached the stage where he can resume training with his team-mates.

“He’s not ready yet; the groin problem is still there. He needs to be able to train with the group, and that’s not the case yet. He’s training individually,” explained Sage.

The update means Sarr’s return remains dependent on his progress in individual training and his ability to eventually rejoin the rest of the squad.

The forward has so far been unable to take part in competitive matches this season because of the issue. There is also no specific date yet for when he could return to action.

For Crystal Palace, Sarr’s continued absence means they remain without a player who was their top scorer last season. His availability will therefore depend on how quickly he can overcome the groin problem and build up his fitness.

Sage made clear that the next important stage in the player’s recovery will be a return to group training. Until that happens, Sarr will remain unavailable for selection.

The Senegal international is currently continuing his work away from the main squad as he attempts to recover from the injury.

Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Middlesbrough provided Crystal Palace with a positive result in the League Cup, but Sarr’s situation remains unchanged.

The 27-year-old will now continue his individual programme while waiting for the green light to resume full training with his team-mates.

There has been no indication of a firm timetable for his comeback, leaving the forward’s return date open.

For now, Sage’s message is clear: Sarr is not yet ready to play and must first overcome the ongoing groin issue before he can be considered for a return to competition.

The Senegalese striker’s focus will therefore remain on his recovery and reaching the required fitness level to train fully with the Palace squad.