Crystal Palace duo Sarr and Nketiah in line for historic Europa League return
Crystal Palace could welcome Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah back into the squad for Thursday’s first UEFA Europa League match in the club’s history, with Lech Poznan visiting Selhurst Park.
Palace Europa League squad update
| Item | Status | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Ismaila Sarr | Could return | Back in training after injury setbacks |
| Eddie Nketiah | Could return | Missed last week’s home games |
| Dean Henderson | Unavailable | New contract runs until 2030 |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | Unavailable | Targeting a return after the international break |
Manager Pierre Sage confirmed both Sarr and Nketiah have trained with the group this week and could be involved for the League Phase opener against the Polish champions.
Sarr has not played competitively this season after a series of fitness problems. The winger was Palace’s leading scorer last term, and his potential return would give Sage an important attacking option for the European occasion.
Nketiah began each of Palace’s first three games of the campaign but was absent for the two home fixtures last week. He is now nearing a swift return after completing training.
“He could be in the team tomorrow, as Eddie Nketiah could, because they started training with us this week and they are in shape,” Sage said of Sarr’s prospects.
Palace will still be without captain Dean Henderson and forward Jean-Philippe Mateta. Sage is aiming to have both players available after the forthcoming international break.
Henderson, however, gave the club a significant boost before the match when he agreed a new long-term deal through to 2030. Sage hailed the goalkeeper’s influence as captain, both during games and within the dressing room.
“We are really happy for us and really happy for him,” Sage said. “It is a long-term contract for our captain.”
What happens next: Sage will make the final call on Sarr and Nketiah ahead of Thursday evening’s Selhurst Park clash, as Palace begin their first Europa League campaign against Lech Poznan.
