Ismaila Sarr, Eddie Nketiah in line for Crystal Palace return against Lech Poznan

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has handed the club a timely boost by confirming that Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah could return to the squad for Thursday’s UEFA Europa League clash with Lech Poznan.

The attacking duo have resumed training this week as Palace prepare to open their European campaign at Selhurst Park.

Sarr has endured a frustrating start to the season after injury setbacks kept him from making a competitive appearance. The Senegal international was Palace’s leading scorer last season and his absence has deprived Sage of one of his key attacking options.

Nketiah, meanwhile, featured in Palace’s first three matches of the campaign but was unavailable for the club’s two home fixtures last week.

With both players now back in training, Sage says they have made sufficient progress to be considered for the encounter with Lech Poznan.

“He could be in the team tomorrow, as (could) Eddie Nketiah, because they started to train with us this week, and they are in shape,” the manager told the media.

Sarr eyes long-awaited competitive debut

Sarr’s potential return comes after he missed the opening weeks of the campaign while dealing with injury problems.

The 28-year-old forward was an important contributor for Palace last season, establishing himself as a regular threat in the final third and finishing as the team’s top scorer.

His availability would therefore give Sage another option as Palace begin their Europa League journey, particularly with the manager managing the squad across domestic and European competitions.

For Nketiah, Thursday’s fixture could provide an opportunity to return after missing Palace’s recent home matches.

The former Arsenal striker made an early impression after starting the club’s opening three games but was subsequently sidelined.

Palace prepare for European test

Palace will host Lech Poznan at Selhurst Park in their first Europa League league-phase fixture, with Sage potentially able to call on two experienced attacking players who have missed recent action.

Their return to training does not guarantee either player a starting place, but Sage’s comments indicate both are now close enough to full fitness to be considered for selection.

The final decision will depend on their condition ahead of kick-off as Palace look to begin their European campaign with a strong performance on home soil.