Sage on Sarr & Strand Larsen fitness – and facing Liverpool
Pierre Sage says Jørgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah are ready to step into the side following Jean-Philippe Mateta’s suspension – with the Manager also giving an update on Ismaïla Sarr.
Palace host Liverpool this coming Sunday (8th November, 14:00 GMT), seeking a first Premier League win in four matches against Andoni Iraola’s side.
With forward Mateta having been sent off against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, Sage is confident that Strand Larsen – who did not feature off the bench on Thursday night against TSG Hoffenheim, having returned from injury – and Nketiah can step into that void.
“As you know, JP was injured at the beginning of the season,” Sage noted, previewing the Liverpool game immediately after Thursday night’s draw in the UEFA Europa League.
“There was the opportunity for Jørgen Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah to play. That's why he will miss [the game], but we have to deal with it. We have big confidence in the other players. They’ve shown they are able to play and they are able to compete.
“We need them in the play, we need them to press, we need them to score, to finalise the offensive play. Jørgen showed that against Ipswich and against Lech Poznań, that's why we know he's able to score. Eddie scored against Fulham, he scored against Lech Poznań too, and Eddie is able to play as a No. 10 too.
“That’s why we will see what will happen on Sunday – but we have some solutions.”
He's able to play 60, 75 [minutes]
—Pierre Sage
With regards to Strand Larsen’s fitness, Sage noted: “He didn't play today because the scenario of the game was not positive for him to have the possibility to let him play.
“But I think he's able to play 60, 75 [minutes] and with the head and the stamina, maybe he can push this.”
And on Sarr, who has not featured since 22nd October after combatting a groin injury earlier in the season, the Manager added: “He will come back after the international break.”
Palace will be seeking to use the potential of a victory against Liverpool – who are fifth in the Premier League table – as a springboard for a hitherto inconsistent league campaign.
Sage observed: “It’s difficult to find the good things over a long period, because when we started to do things in a good way, some bad things emerged.
“I think one of our reference games was in Leeds. I don't know if you remember, Walter Benitez made an incredible save. We made one mistake and they had a big, big opportunity – and we have to deal with that.
“That's why I told you last time, I think it was maybe in Beşiktaș, we have to do the perfect game to win. In this period, I don't want to blame the players because I'm always behind them and I have a lot of confidence in them and with them. And I think they will continue the work and build the things.
“I have a lot of things to improve and I consider the whole. I have to prioritise some things sometimes. But as I said, when you push on one thing, other things emerge, appear, and you have to deal with new things, and that's why the balance of the whole is really important.
“I work on a lot of uncertainty about the way we play. But I have to deal and to change the things to improve all. I keep the confidence in our work because I see the players working every day in a good way, and if you don't consider that the effects are quick, you can accept that the work is a good way to change the things too.”
As for facing Liverpool?: “[It’s] a big challenge.
“And it's maybe the opportunity to create something special for this group.”
Match Details
Crystal Palace v Liverpool
- Sunday, 8th November
- 14:00 GMT
- Premier League
- Selhurst Park
- Live audio commentary on Palace TV+.