Crystal Palace have been dealt a significant injury setback with forward Ismaila Sarr likely to be sidelined for a number of crucial fixtures after being forced off against Manchester United.
Ankle Injury Casts Shadow Over Key Period
The 27-year-old Senegalese international started Sunday's Premier League clash at Selhurst Park but lasted only 38 minutes before being substituted. The problem occurred following a strong challenge from Manchester United defender Diogo Dalot, with the issue centred on Sarr's ankle.
Eagles manager Oliver Glasner delivered a pessimistic update post-match, confirming the severity of the knock. "We all have to assess him further but the ankle is quite swollen, so I think he will miss a few games," Glasner stated. He added the concerning line: "Maybe we won't see him again before the Afcon."
The visual evidence post-game supported the manager's fears, with Sarr spotted leaving the stadium on crutches and wearing a protective boot.
Implications for Palace and Senegal
The timing of the injury is particularly problematic for both club and country. The Africa Cup of Nations begins in Morocco on December 21, with Senegal's first match against Botswana scheduled for December 23 in Tangier.
If Sarr is unavailable before the tournament, he would miss a demanding run of games for Palace, including:
- Premier League fixtures against Burnley, Fulham, Manchester City, and Leeds.
- Europa Conference League meetings with Shelbourne and KuPS.
- The Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal on December 23.
- The Premier League match versus Tottenham five days later.
A home game against Fulham on New Year's Day also appears unlikely for the winger. His participation in Afcon itself now hangs in the balance, dependent on his recovery speed.
Glasner's Frustration Amid Squad Strain
The loss of Sarr is a major blow for Glasner's plans during the hectic festive schedule. The player has been a key figure this season, making 19 appearances across all competitions and scoring eight goals.
Glasner's frustration was palpable after the United defeat, and he pointedly criticised the club's lack of summer investment, a window which saw them sell Eberechi Eze to Arsenal for £60m. "If you play for the first time in your club's history, European football, I think the right answer is invest and not save. We saved and that's what we are facing," the Austrian boss said.
He emphasised that while the current squad gives everything, he felt they "didn't get the right support" from above, highlighting the injury to Sarr as part of a wider depth problem.
