Pierre Sage received a significant shot in the arm ahead of Thursday evening’s UEFA Europa League encounter against TSG Hoffenheim, confirming that both Quinten Timber and Jørgen Strand Larsen are back in contention.
Midfielder Timber and forward Strand Larsen have missed action since suffering injuries during Palace’s 2-2 draw away at Beşiktaş in late October. Their return provides much-needed bite, tactical flexibility, and physical presence to an Eagles side navigating a grueling autumn schedule.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the 17:45 GMT kick-off at Selhurst Park where tickets remain on sale Sage delivered a clean bill of health across his senior squad.
“Both [players] will be back with us. They were training with us last week but not ready to play, but now they are ready to play. All [others] will be okay.”
Crucial attacking components return to the fold
The return of Timber and Strand Larsen could not come at a better moment for Palace.
Timber brings dynamic box-to-box driving runs and midfield control, qualities Palace sorely lacked during recent domestic setbacks against Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. Strand Larsen gives the Eagles an imposing focal point at the top of the pitch, relieving pressure on Jean-Philippe Mateta and offering a lethal aerial threat inside the penalty area.
Managing the grueling 25-day endurance test
Thursday’s tie against the German outfit represents Palace’s eighth match in the space of just 25 days since the October international break. Competing across the Premier League, Europa League, and Carabao Cup has tested the squad’s physical reserves to the absolute limit.
Sage, however, embraces the relentless calendar. The Frenchman views continental football as a badge of honor earned through last season’s historic UEFA Conference League triumph.
“First of all it’s exciting, because if we play in a European cup, it’s because the team did well last year and won the Conference League,” Sage explained. “We have to deal with that, but it’s a good thing.”
Category Information Fixture Crystal Palace vs TSG Hoffenheim Competition UEFA Europa League (Matchday 4) Date & Time Thursday, 5th November 2026 | 17:45 GMT Venue Selhurst Park, London Current Standings Palace: 4 pts (15th) | Hoffenheim: 4 pts (14th) Ticket Status Remaining general admission tickets on sale
Unlike the compressed turnarounds between recent fixtures, the gap leading into Thursday allowed Sage to execute three full training sessions with his squad.
Sage utilized that extended window to reset Palace’s offensive structure and rebuild confidence following recent defensive-heavy performances.
“To deal with three different competitions, for the process, it’s always the same because we prepare in the same way,”Sage noted. “The difference between the three competitions is the time we have before the games to prepare. This time we have three sessions before the game, one more than the two [games] before, and that’s really important because we need time to work, especially when we’re in our situation.”
“What we did during these sessions was really important for the confidence of the players, for their understanding of the gameplan, and for their capacity to apply it.”
With four points on the board from their opening three European outings, victory over Hoffenheim would place Palace in a commanding position to secure direct qualification for the knockout stages.
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