Why Ismaila Sarr is not in Crystal Palace squad as shock absence explained

The Senegal winger was a shock high-profile absentee as new Eagles boss Pierre Sage named his team for a first Premier League match in charge at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on the opening day of the season.

Galatasaray are keen to sign Sarr before the summer transfer window closes in Turkey next month and are reported to have tabled an offer for his services worth around £30million.

It has been suggested in the Turkish media that the former Watford star is pushing to complete the move, though Sage said in his pre-Everton press conference on Friday that Palace would keep Sarr, whom he said would be available to play this weekend.

BBC Sport, meanwhile, report that the 28-year-old has been complaining of a groin problem and did not train in the two days leading up to the Everton game.

They add that Palace do not want to lose Sarr and that a significant offer would be required to even contemplate changing that stance.

Transfer links: Galatasaray want to sign Crystal Palace winger Ismaila Sarr

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Sarr has been a key player for the Eagles since joining from Marseille in a £12.5million deal in the summer of 2024, scoring 33 goals and providing 10 assists in 92 appearances across all competitions.

Last season, he netted 21 times in 45 outings as he helped then FA Cup holders Palace to win both the Community Shield and the Conference League in Oliver Glasner’s final campaign in charge.

Sage said of Sarr on Friday: “We will keep him, we will keep him. He’s a really important player for the club and for us. He will be able to play this weekend.”