Crystal Palace Manager Pierre Sage Confirms Ismaila Sarr Injury Amid Liverpool Transfer Interest
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has confirmed that winger Ismaila Sarr is currently sidelined due to a groin injury and not because he is refusing to train amid transfer speculation linking him to Liverpool. Despite interest from the Merseyside club, including a reported £50 million offer, Sage insists that Sarr’s absence is genuine and related solely to his fitness.
Sage Denies Training Boycott Amid Transfer Rumours
The forward missed training sessions recently, which fueled rumours that he might be trying to force a move away from Selhurst Park. Sage dismissed these claims, emphasizing that Sarr is undergoing individual training to manage groin pain. The manager stated, "Ismaila Sarr is injured. He is in pain with his groin - that’s why you didn’t see him train with us today. But we’ll prepare him; he needs time."
Impact of Liverpool's Interest on Player
At 28 years old, Sarr has three years left on his contract at Crystal Palace. He was absent for the Premier League opener against Everton and will also miss the upcoming match against Manchester City. Sage acknowledged the difficulty players face when linked to clubs like Liverpool but trusts that Sarr will remain committed to Palace during his recovery. "It’s always difficult for a player when your name is associated with a club like Liverpool," Sage said. "For now, the most important thing is that he is unable to play and is in treatment. What happens with his potential future is really far from me."
Manager Shows Understanding Amid Transfer Pressure
With the summer transfer window closing soon, Sage sympathizes with Sarr as he handles constant transfer talk. The manager held private discussions with the player to keep his focus strong despite links not only to Liverpool but also to Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal. "I understand that for everybody to have this kind of contact is difficult, because you hesitate a lot," Sage added. "But for the moment, he is with us. He is under contract. He is injured and maybe you can make a link between his injury and the situation. But for me, he is honest and I have no problem with that."
What Lies Ahead for Liverpool and Sarr?
As the transfer deadline approaches on Monday, Liverpool face pressure to finalize their approach for Sarr quickly. Meanwhile, Sage focuses on preparing the player for a full recovery while hoping the winger honors his contract. The Anfield club must decide whether to improve their bid or explore other attacking options to meet manager Andoni Iraola's demands.
- Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: 28 Aug 2026, 21:00 (Premier League)
- Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: 29 Aug 2026, 13:30 (Premier League)
