Ismaïla Sarr
Right Winger
Wide Forward
Feb 25, 1998 (28)
Right
6'1"
168 lb
Ruled out with groin issue
Sarr (groin) has been ruled out of Sunday's Premier League clash against Newcastle United after experiencing renewed discomfort in his groin, according to coach Pierre Sage. "He's in pain with his groin again, so we've chosen to give him some treatment to get him to 100%."
Analysis: Sarr remains sidelined after suffering a recurrence of the groin discomfort that has affected his fitness. Crystal Palace have opted to give the winger additional treatment rather than risk aggravating the issue, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Dwight McNeil has been selected to start on the wing against Newcastle in his absence, providing an alternative in the attacking lineup. Sarr's availability for upcoming fixtures will depend on his response to treatment and recovery over the coming days.
Cleared to start against Nottingham
Sarr is fully available and fit enough to start Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest after returning to training, according to coach Pierre Sage. "Ismaila Sarr is now able to start. He had his best session for us this week and I hope we can 're-find' the player."
Analysis: Sarr has been cleared to return to the starting lineup against Nottingham Forest after successfully completing training during the week. The winger did not feature in any of Senegal's three matches during the international break, including two AFCON fixtures and one friendly, but has now regained sufficient fitness to start. His return provides Palace with an important attacking boost, and he could immediately reclaim his usual role on the wing after impressing manager Pierre Sage in training.
Training ahead of Nottingham clash
Sarr was spotted taking part in Crystal Palace's training session ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest after failing to feature in any of Senegal's three matches during the international break, including two AFCON fixtures and one friendly.
Analysis: Sarr appears to be in contention for Sunday's clash against Nottingham Forest after returning to training with Crystal Palace. The winger was called up by Senegal but did not feature in any of their three international matches, with no injury officially reported. His participation in training is an encouraging sign ahead of the weekend, although his fitness and starting status have yet to be confirmed. Sarr could return directly to the starting lineup if deemed ready, providing Palace with an important attacking option.
Misses Senegal opener
Sarr did not feature in Senegal's 1-1 draw against Mozambique in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier Friday.
Analysis: Sarr remained unused after recently returning from a groin injury at club level, having made two consecutive substitute appearances for Crystal Palace before the international break. His absence from Senegal's opener could reflect continued management of his workload following the injury. The winger could still feature during the remainder of the window, with Senegal set to face Ethiopia before a friendly against Comoros.
Plays eight minutes in draw
Sarr recorded no stats in Sunday's 0-0 draw versus Leeds United.
Analysis: Sarr made his second consecutive appearance off the bench across all competitions since returning from a groin injury, with Palace continuing to manage his workload following the absence. The winger scored nine Premier League goals last season and should be capable of earning a larger role once fully ready for increased minutes. He'll compete with Yeremy Pino, Daichi Kamada and Dwight McNeil for a place in the attacking midfield group following the international break.
Could start against Leeds
Sarr could start Sunday's match against Leeds United, though he does not expect the winger to play the full 90 minutes, according to coach Pierre Sage, per Christopher Reidy. "To start, maybe. To play 90 minutes, I don't think."
Analysis: Sarr made his first appearance of the 2026/27 campaign Thursday after recovering from a groin issue, creating one scoring chance in 16 minutes as a substitute against Lech Poznan. His progression now puts him in contention for his first start of the season, though manager Pierre Sage's comments suggest his minutes will likely remain managed. Sarr scored nine goals in the Premier League last season and should compete with Yeremy Pino, Daichi Kamada and Dwight McNeil for a role in the attacking midfield group as he builds back to full match fitness.
Logs 16 minutes against Lech
Sarr created one scoring chance over 16 minutes of play as a substitute in Thursday's UEFA Europa League win over Lech Poznan.
Analysis: Sarr finally earned his first appearance of the 2026/27 campaign following his recovery from a groin issue. His comeback means great news for a squad that had him as its second-best scorer with nine goals in the previous Premier League campaign. The attacker, who also scored four goals and one assist across four games played for Senegal at the World Cup, could be a solid threat if he continues to progress towards a consistent role. In that case, he'll threaten Yeremy Pino, Daichi Kamada and Dwight McNeil for playing time in the attacking midfield zone.
Makes bench Thursday
Sarr (groin) is on the bench for Thursday's Europa League match against Lech Poznan.
Analysis: Sarr was described as a "possibility" for Thursday's European debut after returning to training this week, and he's earned a spot on the bench. Sarr has yet to play this season, and the Eagles are likely to bring him back into the squad slowly to avoid another injury.
Could be ready for UEL action
Sarr (groin) is a possibility for Thursday's match against Lech Poznan, according to manager Pierre Sage. "He could be in the team tomorrow, because they started to train with us this week, and they are in shape."
Analysis: Sarr was resuming training this week and continues to inch closer to a return, with the attacker now a late call for Thursday. He will likely need to face a late fitness test to decide if he can play, meaning he could be limited in his role as well. Either way, they may be cautious following his extended absence to open the season, working him in from the bench in a cautious manner.
Set to resume team training
Sarr (groin) will remain unavailable for Saturday's clash against Ipswich Town and is now expected to resume first-team training Monday, according to coach Pierre Sage. "He's not with the team for the moment. I thought he could be with us in training on Monday, but it was not the case. We expect him next Monday to start training with the first-team."
Analysis: Sarr remains sidelined by the groin problem that has kept him out since the start of the Premier League campaign and has yet to rejoin his teammates in training. His expected return to first-team sessions Monday would represent an important step toward a comeback, though he will likely need to rebuild his fitness before being considered for competitive action. Eddie Nketiah should continue to benefit from Sarr's absence in the attacking rotation.
Remains limited to individual work
Sarr (groin) is not yet ready to return and continues to train individually due to his ongoing groin problem, according to coach Pierre Sage, per Christopher Reidy. "He's not ready for the moment, the problem with his groin is always here. He has to be able to train with the team, and it's not the case for the moment. He trains individually."
Analysis: Sarr remains some way from a return after the groin problem has kept him sidelined since the start of the Premier League campaign. The winger has yet to resume team training, making an immediate comeback unlikely, and he will first need to progress through full sessions before being considered for selection. There remains no clear timetable for his return, while Eddie Nketiah should continue to benefit from Sarr's absence in the attacking rotation.
Remains sidelined
Sarr (groin) remains unavailable for Saturday's Premier League clash against Fulham, according to coach Pierre Sage. "Sarr needs time to recover. He is injured at the moment."
Analysis: Sarr continues to struggle with the groin problem that has kept him out since the start of the Premier League campaign, and there's still no clear timetable for his return. The winger had already been limited to individual work because of significant discomfort, and the latest update suggests he still needs additional recovery time before rejoining the available options. Eddie Nketiah should continue to benefit from Sarr's absence in the attacking rotation.
Ruled out against Man City
Sarr (groin) will remain unavailable for Friday's Premier League clash against Manchester City, according to coach Pierre Sage. "For Sarr, he's always in individual session because he's really in pain with his groin. That's why we didn't see him with us today. There's no chance he plays on Friday."
Analysis: Sarr will miss a second consecutive league match after the groin issue also ruled him out of the season opener against Everton. The winger had previously been considered close to a return, but manager Pierre Sage has now definitively ruled him out Friday, suggesting he still needs additional recovery time before being cleared. Eddie Nketiah is expected to start in his absence against Manchester City, while Sarr's return timeline remains unclear.
Left out of opener with injury
Sarr is missing from Crystal Palace's squad for Saturday's Premier League opener against Everton due to injury, having not trained for the past two days, according to James Savundra Sky Sports.
Analysis: Sarr missed training over the past two days and will sit out the league opener against Everton. According to the report, his absence is due to an injury and is not related to the ongoing transfer speculation. No further details have been provided on the nature of the issue.
Back with Crystal Palace
Sarr is back with Crystal Palace for preseason ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
Analysis: Sarr returned after impressing with Senegal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scoring four goals. The winger should play a big role for the Eagles in the 2026/27 campaign after tallying nine goals and one assist in 28 league outings last term.
Scores last goal for Senegal
Sarr scored one goal to go with five shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-2 loss versus Belgium.
Analysis: Sarr delivered Senegal's second goal of the match with a composed finish inside the box after expertly controlling a pinpoint cross from Moussa Niakhate, but the moment quickly faded as Belgium responded with three unanswered goals to end their World Cup run. Despite the early exit, Sarr was Senegal's standout performer throughout the tournament, scoring four of the team's nine goals while producing six shots on target, one assist, and five chances created, allowing him to leave the competition on an undeniable high note.
Scores, assists in blowout win
Sarr scored one goal and assisted once from three shots and two chances created in Friday's 5-0 win against Iraq.
Analysis: Sarr continues to be Senegal's best player in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has moved into the upper echelon of the goalscoring charts. The Palace winger has four goals and one assist in three matches, and he should remain a key player for the Lions of Teranga, especially since neither Sadio Mane nor Nicolas Jackson have found the back of the net so far.
Records brace in loss
Sarr scored two goals to go with six shots (three on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 3-2 loss to Norway.
Analysis: Sarr bounced back from a quiet first half with a magnificent offensive effort in the final 45 minutes, firing a pair of right-footed shots into the back of the net. The winger's six shots stood out as a game-high figure, which was a particularly impressive mark considering that Erling Haaland was also on the field. The Crystal Palace man is expected to remain among his team's biggest threats, although they now have little chances of progressing beyond the final group game against Iraq.
Three shots in World Cup defeat
Sarr registered three shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to France.
Analysis: Sarr had a particularly strong first half as Senegal piled pressure on France, but they were unable to put the ball in the back of the net before France took control in the second half. One shot in the first half was a great chance which was pulled back to him, but he was only able to put it over the bar. The winger had started four games in the last World Cup and scored one goal.
Scores penalty for opener
Sarr scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Brentford.
Analysis: Sarr won the foul that led to Crystal Palace's opening penalty after breezing past Caoimhin Kelleher, then coolly buried the spot kick into the bottom-left corner for his ninth Premier League goal and 21st across all competitions this season. He also came close to adding another after smashing the right post off a Yeremy Pino assist and finished with two total shots before being taken off in stoppage time.
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