Crystal Palace are awaiting the results of an injury assessment on one of their key players ahead of Saturday’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool.
The match at Selhurst Park will see the league’s only two unbeaten sides go head-to-head in a rematch of last month’s Community Shield, which Palace won on penalties at Wembley. It will also be the first meeting between the clubs since Palace abruptly cancelled Marc Guehi’s proposed £35m deadline day move to Anfield, despite having reached an agreement with the Reds.
Pino a doubt for Liverpool clash
Palace’s 2-1 win away at West Ham last weekend was overshadowed by Yeremy Pino’s forced withdrawal at half-time due to a knee issue.
When asked about the £26m summer signing from Villarreal, manager Oliver Glasner told the Evening Standard:
> “He had some pain in his knee. We’re not sure what it is yet, so we’ll need to assess him and probably have a scan. Hopefully, it’s nothing too serious, but he couldn’t carry on playing.”
While Palace are sweating on Pino’s availability, they’ve been handed a boost with the news that Ismaila Sarr is set to return to training this week after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Sarr or Pino could trouble Liverpool’s defence
Pino has yet to find the net for his new club, but his 14 goal contributions for Villarreal last season highlight the attacking threat he offers. If he misses out, it would be a significant blow for Palace ahead of such a crucial fixture.
However, Sarr’s potential return could provide Glasner with a major lift. The Senegal international has a strong record against Liverpool, having scored in both meetings between the clubs this year. He also famously struck twice for Watford in their memorable victory that ended Liverpool’s unbeaten run during the 2019/20 season. Only one club has been on the receiving end of more of his goals than the Reds.
Whether it’s Pino or Sarr leading Palace’s attack, Liverpool can expect a stern challenge from a side whose excellent start to the season has flown somewhat under the radar.
While no one wants to see a player sidelined through injury, Palace will be hoping for positive news on Pino’s scan as they prepare for a high-stakes clash on Saturday.
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