Crystal Palace Exclusive: Ismaila Sarr injury update
Crystal Palace star Ismaila Sarr’s injury is not as serious as first feared, sources have told Football Insider.
The winger suffered an ankle injury during the Eagles’ recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, and it had been feared that he could miss the entirety of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Sarr is in line to be part of Senegal’s squad as they go in search of their second continental crown, but that had seemingly been put in jeopardy by the injury issue that he sustained.
Nevertheless, sources have now indicated to Football Insider that his participation in the tournament is now back on the cards, with a return for Palace now also potentially imminent.
Ismaila Sarr could be involved for Crystal Palace vs Man City
Sarr has been a key player for Palace so far this season, and he already has four goal involvements from his opening 11 Premier League appearances in 2025-26.
He was withdrawn by Oliver Glasner shortly before half-time in that defeat to Manchester United, and the South London outfit had been fearing a lengthy lay-off, with the wideman unable to play a part in their victories over Burnley and Fulham.
However, sources have now told Football Insider that the injury is thought to be little more than an impact injury, and could see Sarr return as soon as Sunday’s clash with Manchester City.
The Eagles are preparing to welcome Pep Guardiola’s side to Selhurst Park, and they are hopeful that Sarr will be in contention to feature as part of the matchday squad.
With the issue now anticipated to be much less severe than initially expected, the 27-year-old would then jet off to join up with the Senegal group ahead of AFCON beginning on 21 December.
Who else will be missing for Palace during AFCON?
Sarr’s impact for Palace this season means that he is likely to be their most notable absentee for the upcoming AFCON tournament, which runs from 21 December until 18 January.
The finalised squads of Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco and Mali are yet to be confirmed by their respective managers, but the final decisions could have a big effect on Palace.
| Home | Away |
| 18 December – KuPS (Europa League) | 20 Decmeber – Leeds (Premier League) |
| 28 December – Tottenham (Premier League) | 23 December – Arsenal (Carabao Cup QF) |
| 1 January – Fulham (Premier League) | 4 January – Newcastle (Premier League) |
| 7 January – Aston Villa (Premier League) | 10 January – Macclesfield (FA Cup) |
| 17 January – Sunderland (Premier League) |
Christantus Uche could form part of the Nigeria squad for the finals, while the injured duo of Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure could even get shock last-minute call-ups for Morocco and Mali respectively.
With that in mind, Glasner could potentially be forced to work without as many as four members of his senior squad in the coming weeks, or it could be just Sarr alone who jets off for international duty.
The Austrian could be without his star for as many as nine games in all competitions, and he will be desperately trying to find a capable solution for that in the coming weeks.