Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has admitted winger Ismaila Sarr needs time to recover after his proposed transfer to Liverpool collapsed in the final days of the window.
The 28-year-old Senegal international attempted to force an exit from the South London club amid interest from Liverpool, as well as teams in Turkey and Saudi Arabia. However, Crystal Palace maintained throughout the transfer window that the player was not for sale under any circumstances.
That hardline stance by the Premier League club prompted a frustrated reaction from Sarr, who threw a strop and deleted all references to Crystal Palace from his official Instagram account.
Sarr will not be involved in the squad for Palace when they visit London rivals Fulham on Saturday. The forward has been sidelined since the start of the season with a groin injury.
Sage remains hopeful that Sarr will be ready to return to action next week, once he has been given sufficient time to recover both physically and emotionally from the saga.
Sage expects focus after failed transfer
Addressing whether Sarr could still depart for Turkey or Saudi Arabia while their transfer windows remain open, Sage confirmed he held talks with the player on Wednesday and received assurances over his future.
"I spoke with him yesterday and he said he's sure to be with us," Sage said when asked if the winger could move abroad. "He has to digest because it's a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club. He had a good opportunity but it didn't work."
Sage urged Sarr to channel his focus back into his performances for Crystal Palace if he wants top clubs to remain interested in the future. "If he wants the interest to continue, he has to give a good season with us, perform with us and score a lot of goals as he did last year," Sage said. "But we know that he needs time."
The manager added that Palace would not rush the winger back onto the pitch. "I expect him to be back next week but I've said this twice before," Sage said. "What is important is that he comes in good shape and in a good mindset. That's why sometimes we want to wait a little bit."
Agent claims rejected by Palace boss
Sarr is represented by former West Bromwich Albion and Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara, who released a statement on Wednesday criticizing the Premier League club. Kamara condemned Palace for "not respecting the will of an African player" after blocking the transfer.
Sage firmly rejected those accusations during his press conference ahead of the weekend fixture. "I don't really agree with this position," Sage said. "The club and the people here are respectful. We respect a lot of things and we just want the best for our club and our players."
Sarr established himself as a key figure at Selhurst Park last season, scoring 21 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions. Palace now prepare to face Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday, with Sage expecting Sarr to rejoin first team operations next week.
