Senegal international Ismaïla Sarr is expected to miss Crystal Palace’s Premier League meeting with Tottenham on 31 October 2026 as he continues to struggle with a groin injury.
The winger has managed just 122 minutes of football since the start of the 2026-27 season, with the latest setback extending a difficult spell for the former Olympique de Marseille player.
Palace manager Pierre Sage has confirmed that Sarr is not yet ready to return to competitive action, with the club taking a cautious approach to his recovery.
“For the moment, he is not in a position to play.”
The Senegalese forward’s fitness remains a concern for Palace, who are keen to ensure he makes a full recovery before returning to the squad.
Sarr’s groin problem has affected his ability to carry out some of the movements that are central to his style of play.
His game relies heavily on pace, acceleration and high-intensity runs, particularly when taking on defenders in wide areas.
Those limitations have made it difficult for him to resume normal training and competition, leaving the club unwilling to risk bringing him back before he is fully fit.
His expected absence against Tottenham means Palace will have to continue without one of their attacking options as they pursue their Premier League campaign.
The injury has also disrupted what Sarr would have hoped would be a more productive start to the season.
Having played only 122 minutes so far, the Senegal international has had limited opportunities to establish himself in the team’s attacking setup.
For a winger whose strengths include speed and the ability to create problems for opposition defences, the lack of regular playing time represents a significant interruption.
Palace will therefore be hoping that the medical team’s continued monitoring and management of the injury will help him return to full fitness.
Sage and the club’s medical staff are understood to be avoiding any rushed decisions, with the player’s recovery taking priority over an immediate return to action.
There is currently no confirmed date for Sarr’s comeback.
His return will depend on how the groin injury responds to treatment and whether he can resume training and perform at the required intensity without experiencing pain.
Until then, Palace must plan without the Senegalese attacker, whose limited involvement has been one of the difficulties of his campaign so far.
The trip to Tottenham on 31 October is the latest fixture he is expected to miss, and his absence could continue if his recovery does not progress as hoped.
For Senegal, Sarr’s situation will also be worth monitoring, given his status as an international player. However, his immediate priority remains regaining fitness and returning to regular football at club level.
Palace will be keen to have him available again, but the club’s current approach suggests they are prepared to wait until he is ready rather than risk aggravating the injury.
