As Crystal Palace gears up for their Premier League encounter against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, manager Pierre Sage addressed the media, sharing insights about his team's current state and preparations for the match.
Injury issues are a significant concern for the Eagles as they prepare for this weekend's clash. Sage confirmed that Ismala Sarr is currently sidelined, stating, "Sarr needs time to recover, he is injured at the moment." Furthermore, Jean-Philippe Mateta will also miss the match, with Sage noting, "Mateta is injured now for three weeks. Everyone else is okay apart from our long-term injuries - Chadi [Riad] and [JP] Mateta; every other player has recovered well." This news comes as a blow to Palace, who will be looking to field their strongest side against a competitive Fulham team.
Regarding Sarr's situation, Sage indicated that there would not be a reassessment in January, emphasizing the challenges of moving players during this period. He remarked, "It is difficult to move teams when you are in this position. I just want to say that the club and the people are respectful; we just want the best for our club and our players." This statement reflects the club's commitment to managing player welfare while navigating the complexities of the transfer market.
On the transfer front, Sage expressed satisfaction with the club's deadline day activities, although he hinted at a missed opportunity. He commented, "We need this kind of player [Timber] because we have four players in this department, but they are a bit similar." Sage highlighted the importance of adding players like Quinten Timber, who brings versatility, and Dario Osorio, who offers speed. He also mentioned Ben Chilwell, stating that his experience would provide the squad with added confidence.
Looking ahead to the match against Fulham, Sage acknowledged the unpredictability of football. He stated, "Football has no memory of what happened before; it can always be a challenge. There are a lot of new players and coaches on both sides. I’m really happy to play against them because we need a reference game for the moment." This sentiment underscores the significance of the upcoming fixture as both teams look to establish their identities in the league.
Sage emphasized the importance of having a solid game plan for the match, asserting that it is crucial for success. He said, "The game plan is the most important thing for Saturday's match, and we need to come up with the best plan for the team; it’s only a plan. We will try to do it. We tried to do it in our two previous games." With this approach, Palace aims to secure a vital three points against their London rivals.
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