Pierre Sage Opens Up on Ismaila Sarr's Injury Amid Liverpool Transfer Rumors

Pierre Sage, the manager of Crystal Palace, has confirmed that Ismaila Sarr is sidelined due to a groin injury and is not deliberately missing training to push for a transfer to Liverpool. Despite the strong interest from the Merseyside club, Sage insists that the £50 million offer from Liverpool complicates matters but maintains that Sarr’s absence is injury-related.

Sarr’s Injury Not a Tactic to Force a Move

Liverpool recently approached Crystal Palace regarding a potential deal for Sarr after their pursuit of Yankuba Minteh fell through. Reports from the Liverpool Echo suggested Sarr might be refusing training to provoke a move, but Sage firmly denied this. The forward is currently undergoing individual training due to significant pain from a groin problem.

"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," Sage explained.

Handling Liverpool’s Interest and Contract Commitment

The 28-year-old winger missed the Premier League opener against Everton and will also be absent for the upcoming game against Manchester City. Sage recognizes how challenging it is for a player when linked to a club like Liverpool but trusts Sarr will honour the remaining three years on his contract.

"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," said Sage.

Sympathy Amid Transfer Speculation

With the transfer window closing soon, Sage showed understanding for Sarr’s situation amid persistent speculation. The Palace boss held private discussions with the forward to keep his spirits up despite links to Liverpool and Saudi Arabian club Al-Hilal.

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

What Lies Ahead for Liverpool and Sarr?

As the summer transfer deadline looms on Monday, Liverpool must act quickly if they want to convince Crystal Palace to part ways with Sarr. While Sage focuses on the player's full recovery at Selhurst Park, Liverpool faces pressure to either improve their offer or look elsewhere to bolster their attack under Andoni Iraola.

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