Ismaïla Sarr
CRY
Right Winger
Wide Forward
Feb 25, 1998 (28)
Right
6'1"
168 lb
Training ahead of Nottingham clash
Sarr was spotted taking part in Crystal Palace's training session ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest after failing to feature in any of Senegal's three matches during the international break, including two AFCON fixtures and one friendly.
Analysis: Sarr appears to be in contention for Sunday's clash against Nottingham Forest after returning to training with Crystal Palace. The winger was called up by Senegal but did not feature in any of their three international matches, with no injury officially reported. His participation in training is an encouraging sign ahead of the weekend, although his fitness and starting status have yet to be confirmed. Sarr could return directly to the starting lineup if deemed ready, providing Palace with an important attacking option.
Could start against Leeds
Sarr could start Sunday's match against Leeds United, though he does not expect the winger to play the full 90 minutes, according to coach Pierre Sage, per Christopher Reidy. "To start, maybe. To play 90 minutes, I don't think."
Analysis: Sarr made his first appearance of the 2026/27 campaign Thursday after recovering from a groin issue, creating one scoring chance in 16 minutes as a substitute against Lech Poznan. His progression now puts him in contention for his first start of the season, though manager Pierre Sage's comments suggest his minutes will likely remain managed. Sarr scored nine goals in the Premier League last season and should compete with Yeremy Pino, Daichi Kamada and Dwight McNeil for a role in the attacking midfield group as he builds back to full match fitness.
Logs 16 minutes against Lech
Sarr created one scoring chance over 16 minutes of play as a substitute in Thursday's UEFA Europa League win over Lech Poznan.
Analysis: Sarr finally earned his first appearance of the 2026/27 campaign following his recovery from a groin issue. His comeback means great news for a squad that had him as its second-best scorer with nine goals in the previous Premier League campaign. The attacker, who also scored four goals and one assist across four games played for Senegal at the World Cup, could be a solid threat if he continues to progress towards a consistent role. In that case, he'll threaten Yeremy Pino, Daichi Kamada and Dwight McNeil for playing time in the attacking midfield zone.
Makes bench Thursday
Sarr (groin) is on the bench for Thursday's Europa League match against Lech Poznan.
Analysis: Sarr was described as a "possibility" for Thursday's European debut after returning to training this week, and he's earned a spot on the bench. Sarr has yet to play this season, and the Eagles are likely to bring him back into the squad slowly to avoid another injury.
Remains limited to individual work
Sarr (groin) is not yet ready to return and continues to train individually due to his ongoing groin problem, according to coach Pierre Sage, per Christopher Reidy. "He's not ready for the moment, the problem with his groin is always here. He has to be able to train with the team, and it's not the case for the moment. He trains individually."
Analysis: Sarr remains some way from a return after the groin problem has kept him sidelined since the start of the Premier League campaign. The winger has yet to resume team training, making an immediate comeback unlikely, and he will first need to progress through full sessions before being considered for selection. There remains no clear timetable for his return, while Eddie Nketiah should continue to benefit from Sarr's absence in the attacking rotation.
Left out of opener with injury
Sarr is missing from Crystal Palace's squad for Saturday's Premier League opener against Everton due to injury, having not trained for the past two days, according to James Savundra Sky Sports.
Analysis: Sarr missed training over the past two days and will sit out the league opener against Everton. According to the report, his absence is due to an injury and is not related to the ongoing transfer speculation. No further details have been provided on the nature of the issue.
Scores last goal for Senegal
Sarr scored one goal to go with five shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Wednesday's 3-2 loss versus Belgium.
Analysis: Sarr delivered Senegal's second goal of the match with a composed finish inside the box after expertly controlling a pinpoint cross from Moussa Niakhate, but the moment quickly faded as Belgium responded with three unanswered goals to end their World Cup run. Despite the early exit, Sarr was Senegal's standout performer throughout the tournament, scoring four of the team's nine goals while producing six shots on target, one assist, and five chances created, allowing him to leave the competition on an undeniable high note.
Scores, assists in blowout win
Sarr scored one goal and assisted once from three shots and two chances created in Friday's 5-0 win against Iraq.
Analysis: Sarr continues to be Senegal's best player in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has moved into the upper echelon of the goalscoring charts. The Palace winger has four goals and one assist in three matches, and he should remain a key player for the Lions of Teranga, especially since neither Sadio Mane nor Nicolas Jackson have found the back of the net so far.
Records brace in loss
Sarr scored two goals to go with six shots (three on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Monday's 3-2 loss to Norway.
Analysis: Sarr bounced back from a quiet first half with a magnificent offensive effort in the final 45 minutes, firing a pair of right-footed shots into the back of the net. The winger's six shots stood out as a game-high figure, which was a particularly impressive mark considering that Erling Haaland was also on the field. The Crystal Palace man is expected to remain among his team's biggest threats, although they now have little chances of progressing beyond the final group game against Iraq.
Three shots in World Cup defeat
Sarr registered three shots (zero on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Tuesday's 3-1 defeat to France.
Analysis: Sarr had a particularly strong first half as Senegal piled pressure on France, but they were unable to put the ball in the back of the net before France took control in the second half. One shot in the first half was a great chance which was pulled back to him, but he was only able to put it over the bar. The winger had started four games in the last World Cup and scored one goal.
Scores penalty for opener
Sarr scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Brentford.
Analysis: Sarr won the foul that led to Crystal Palace's opening penalty after breezing past Caoimhin Kelleher, then coolly buried the spot kick into the bottom-left corner for his ninth Premier League goal and 21st across all competitions this season. He also came close to adding another after smashing the right post off a Yeremy Pino assist and finished with two total shots before being taken off in stoppage time.
Nets in Sunday's draw
Sarr scored one goal to go with six shots (three on goal), two crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-2 draw against Everton.
Analysis: Sarr found the back of the net in the 34th minute Sunday, an unassisted strike which tied the match at 1-1. It was one of six shots he took in the match -- double his previous season high -- and it marked his eighth goal of the campaign. He also created one chance and recorded two inaccurate crosses in his full 90 minutes of action.
Two shots from bench
Sarr had two shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 3-0 defeat versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Sarr appeared at halftime Sunday but was unable to change the game much, as he would take two shots, although both were off target. This continues a five-game skid without a goal for the attacker, a rough spell of play. That said, he has started in only two of those five games.
Scores brace in Thursday's win
Sarr scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and three crosses (zero accurate) in Thursday's 3-1 victory versus Tottenham Hotspur.
Analysis: Sarr scored a pair of goals Thursday, a penalty in the 40th minute and then a strike well into first half stoppage time which gave his side the 3-1 lead heading into the break. It marked his first match this season with multiple goal contributions after he had three last season. The midfielder has been in excellent form as of late, bagging four goals over his last six matches. He'll look to keep that going Sunday versus Leeds.
Scores winning goal
Sarr scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 1-0 win against Brighton.
Analysis: Sarr had what ended up being the game's only goal, and he continues to be Crystal Palace's best offensive threat. He has a great matchup coming up against Burnley, a team which has conceded 49 goals in EPL play this season.
Converts penalty in draw
Sarr scored a goal while taking three shots (one on goal) during Sunday's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Analysis: Sarr converted a penalty in first half stoppage time which earned a point for Palace in the match. The goal was the first since September 27th for the attacker as he's combined for five shots and two chances created in his two starts since returning from AFCON duty.
Back from AFCON duty
Sarr (not injury related) is back from AFCON duty and will be available for Sunday's matchup against Chelsea.
Analysis: Sarr played a big role in Senegal's title-clinching campaign in the AFCON. He should return to his regular starting role right away in the front three.
Called up by Senegal
Sarr was called up by Senegal for AFCON and will miss at least three weeks.
Analysis: Sarr is off to a bit of a slow start with Palace, but is still a big loss while away from the team for at least three weeks while at AFCON. When he missed a few matches earlier in the season it was Eddie Nketiah who got to step into a larger role in the starting XI, and the same change is possible here for AFCON.
Starts during return
Sarr (ankle) is in the starting XI for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Sarr was eyeing a return Sunday, and after some testing, the attacker has joined the team to face City. He immediately returns to his normal spot in the starting XI, a spot he should remain when an option to the club, as he is yet to miss a start all campaign when named as an option.
Eyeing potential return
Sarr (ankle) is an option for Sunday's match against Manchester City, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "All who played should be fine, and then we hope that Ismaila is available for the game. Of course, we need to train with them and see if there is any reaction, but it looks good and looks okay right now."
Analysis: Sarr is on the mend this week, and after missing the two games he was expected to be out, the forward could be an option to face City. This is massive news after his absence, as the attacker is yet to miss a start when fit this campaign. He will hope to immediately earn the start if he is an option, with Eddie Nketiah as a possible replacement if he is left out or on the bench.
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