---
title: "Crystal Palace face striker crisis as Sage reveals new Injury"
canonical: "https://readcrystalpalace.com/2026/10/26/crystal-palace-sarr-groin-injury-mateta-return/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Shumail Sajid"
section: "Crystal Palace Injury News"
published: "2026-10-26T18:30:00Z"
modified: "2026-10-26T18:30:00Z"
---

# Crystal Palace face striker crisis as Sage reveals new Injury

**Crystal Palace have another attacking problem to deal with after Pierre Sage confirmed that Ismaila Sarr missed Sunday’s clash with Newcastle United because of a groin issue.**

Ismaila Sarr had only recently returned to action, making his latest setback a concern for the Eagles amid a disappointing start of the season under [Pierre Sage](https://readcrystalpalace.com/tag/pierre-sage/).

Ismaila Sarr came off the bench in Palace’s 2-2 Europa League draw with Besiktas on Thursday, but was left out of the squad for the Newcastle game.

[Jorgen Strand Larsen](https://readcrystalpalace.com/tag/jorgen-strand-larsen/) was also unavailable after being forced off against the Turkish side, leaving Sage short of attacking options.

## **Sage explains Ismaila Sarr absence**

[Speaking to Sky Sports](https://www.skysports.com/football/live-blog/13279298/crystal-palace-transfers-latest-news-rumours-and-gossip-live-updates-goals-and-highlights), Sage revealed that Ismaila Sarr was still struggling with pain in his groin after his appearance in Istanbul.

“We tried to give him some minutes on Thursday, but he was really in pain with his groin again,” Sage told Sky Sports.

“That’s why we chose to let him out and give him some treatment, because we need him at 100 per cent.”

[Crystal Palace](https://readcrystalpalace.com/tag/crystal-palace/) have opted to give the Senegal international time to recover rather than risk aggravating the problem. The Eagles can’t risk losing him for long with Jorgen Strand Larsen also ruled out, making Sage’s options very thin upfront.

## **Mateta return offers Palace some relief**

There was at least some encouragement for Palace, with [Jean-Philippe Mateta](https://readcrystalpalace.com/tag/jean-philippe-mateta/) back in the starting lineup against Newcastle. The striker returned from injury played just over an hour, giving Sage a much-needed boost as Ismaila Sarr and Jorgen Strand Larsen remained sidelined.

Sage made no secret of Mateta’s importance to the team, praising both his influence on the pitch and the attitude he brings to the squad.

“For JP, as a player and as a man, he is really important in the team,” Sage added. “He is really positive, and he pushes everybody to give his best.”

Palace still need Sarr and Strand Larsen back to full fitness, but Mateta’s return is a welcome boost for Sage. With attacking options limited, getting the pair fit again will be a priority for Sage who faces pressure on his future of his own.