Crystal Palace’s Pierre Sage Confirms Ismaila Sarr Injury Amid Liverpool Transfer Interest

Ismaila Sarr’s Injury Confirmed by Crystal Palace Manager

Pierre Sage, the manager of Crystal Palace, has confirmed that Ismaila Sarr is currently sidelined due to a groin injury. Despite persistent rumors linking the forward with a move to Liverpool, Sage emphasized that Sarr's absence from training is due to pain and not an attempt to force a transfer.

Clarifying the Situation

Sarr has attracted strong interest from Liverpool following the collapse of their deal for Yankuba Minteh, with reports suggesting a £50 million bid was made. However, Sage firmly denied claims that Sarr is boycotting training sessions to push for a move, stating:

"Ismaila Sarr is injured. He is in pain with his groin - that’s why you didn’t see him [train] with us today. He is in individual training because he is really in pain with his groin. But we’ll prepare him, he needs time."

Impact on Team and Transfer Talks

The 28-year-old missed the Premier League opener against Everton and will also be out for the upcoming game against Manchester City. Sage acknowledged the challenge for any player linked to a club like Liverpool, but he trusts Sarr will respect the remaining three years of his contract at Selhurst Park.

"It’s always difficult for a player when your name is associated with a club like Liverpool. For the moment, the most important thing is to understand the player is not able to play and is in treatment, and what happens with his potential future is really far from me."

Managing Transfer Window Pressure

With the transfer deadline approaching, Sage sympathizes with Sarr as he deals with the speculation. The manager held private discussions with the winger this week to keep his focus positive amid links to Liverpool and Saudi Arabian side Al-Hilal.

"I understand that for everybody to have this kind of contact is difficult, because you hesitate a lot. 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."

Next Steps for Liverpool and Sarr

Liverpool must act quickly before the summer transfer window closes to convince Crystal Palace to sell Sarr. While Sage focuses on the player's recovery, the Anfield club needs to decide whether to improve their offer or explore other attacking options to meet the demands of Andoni Iraola.

• Premier League Fixtures:
• Crystal Palace vs Manchester City: 28 Aug 2026, 21:00
• Liverpool vs Nottingham Forest: 29 Aug 2026, 13:30