Pierre Sage has new Ismaila Sarr 'plan' as Crystal Palace absence persists
Pierre Sage is planning to use Ismaila Sarr as a crucial part of his team at Crystal Palace, sources have told Football Insider.
The 28-year-old remains a key part of the plans at Selhurst Park despite his extended absence after missing out on a late move away from the club in the summer transfer window.
The Senegal international has been training on his own at the club's Copers Cope training ground, after Sage confirmed he needs time to digest his failed summer exit.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Sage is still relying on Sarr as a key part of his plans despite his desire to leave.
Crystal Palace were lacking depth in attacking areas as they lost 3-2 against Ipswich Town on Saturday, with the likes of Evann Guessand, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah also missing.
Sage is hopeful that Sarr will return to first-team training next week, and his return could be a significant boost to the Eagles' attacking prospects.
What is next for Ismaila Sarr at Crystal Palace?
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, slammed Sarr for his attitude towards Crystal Palace despite having missed out on his move.
His lack of involvement in their first-team plans early this season, despite the club's insistence he is managing an injury, has led to questions about his strength of character.
He is now being urged to return to training and perform while he is under contract at Crystal Palace, with Sage counting on him to play a big role this season.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "The key for Palace and for Pierre Sage is to try and get Sarr back onside and get him reintegrated into the squad.
"Hopefully they can help him overcome the disappointment of maybe not winning that move away in the summer to Liverpool, or whoever else was interested.
"He's such a key player for Palace, he proved that last season with the goals he scored, and Palace are a better team when Ismaila Sarr is in the side.
"They are hopeful that he will be back available for first-team selection soon, and they're hoping he can get his focus on Crystal Palace again."
Could Sarr still push to leave Crystal Palace?
Despite the majority of European transfer windows having closed, Sarr may still be eyeing a move away from Crystal Palace, with the Saudi Pro League window still open.
Clubs in the Middle East are believed to have been keeping tabs on the forward's situation and could look to tempt him away before their deadline on 12 October.
However, Football Insider revealed on 11 September that Crystal Palace have no plans to lose Sarr after the transfer window closed regardless of the Saudi interest.
After blocking moves to Liverpool and Galatasaray during the summer, the club's stance has not changed, especially as they will be unable to land an immediate replacement.
There have been suggestions that a move could be reignited in January, when Palace may be forced to consider their options if he remains unhappy in South London.