Sarr needs time to process collapse of Liverpool move

WHAT HAPPENED
Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage says forward Ismaila Sarr will need time to come to terms with a proposed transfer to Liverpool collapsing at the end of the window. Sarr, who finished last season as Palace's leading scorer, remained at Selhurst Park after the move to Anfield did not materialise.

The 28-year-old has not played for Palace this campaign because of a groin problem and will miss Saturday's trip to Fulham. Palace also held late talks about signing Malick Fofana, but the 21-year-old moved from Lyon to Sunderland for £30m.

KEY CONTEXT
- Sarr was strongly linked with a late-window transfer to Liverpool but the deal fell through, leaving uncertainty around his immediate future at Palace.
- Palace explored alternatives on deadline day, including discussions over Belgium forward Malick Fofana, who ultimately signed for Sunderland.
- Sarr has been absent from Palace's matchday squads so far this season due to a groin injury and sat out Premier League defeats at Everton and against Manchester City.

WHY IT MATTERS
Sarr was Palace's top scorer last season, so his situation affects Palace's attacking options and planning. His need for time to process the failed move, combined with an ongoing groin issue, complicates selection and squad dynamics ahead of upcoming fixtures. The missed opportunity to sign Fofana means Palace did not immediately replace potential departures with a new forward.

WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
- Whether Sarr returns to training and how quickly he recovers from his groin injury.
- Palace's approach to handling Sarr's reintegration if and when he is fit, given the coach's comments about needing time.
- How Palace adapts their attacking setup for the trip to Fulham while Sarr remains sidelined.

KEY FACTS
- Ismaila Sarr was Palace's top scorer last season.
- A late-window move to Liverpool did not happen and Sarr stayed at Selhurst Park.
- Sarr, 28, has missed Palace's first matches with a groin injury and will not play at Fulham.
- Palace held talks for Malick Fofana, who instead moved from Lyon to Sunderland for £30m.
- Fulham have lost their opening two Premier League games and are yet to register a point.