Crystal Palace are waiting on the outcome of an injury scan for one of their key players ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Liverpool at Selhurst Park.
The meeting will see the only two unbeaten sides in the league face off, just weeks after Palace defeated Liverpool on penalties in the Community Shield at Wembley. It also comes on the heels of the transfer saga in which Palace blocked Marc Guehi’s £35 million move to Anfield, despite an agreement being in place.
The main concern for manager Oliver Glasner is the fitness of Yeremy Pino. The winger was withdrawn at halftime during last weekend’s 2-1 win over West Ham after complaining of knee pain. Glasner explained: “He had discomfort in his knee. We’ll assess the situation, likely arrange a scan, and hope it’s nothing serious. But he couldn’t continue the game.”
While Palace anxiously await the results, there is encouraging news with Ismaila Sarr expected to return to training this week following a hamstring issue.
Both players offer serious attacking threat. Pino has yet to score for the Eagles but arrives with pedigree after contributing 14 goals and assists for Villarreal last season. His absence would certainly be felt. Sarr, meanwhile, has an excellent record against Liverpool. The Senegal international has already scored twice against them this year and famously netted twice in Watford’s 2019/20 victory that ended Liverpool’s long unbeaten league run. Few opponents have been on the receiving end of his goals as often.
Whether Pino recovers in time or Sarr makes his return, Liverpool will know they face a Palace side in good form and brimming with confidence. For Glasner, the hope will be that Pino’s scan delivers positive news, allowing him to retain two potent options on the wing.
