Sarr injury will be 'felt hard' at Palace

With the transfer window now closed and the international break almost over, the real work now begins for Crystal Palace.

Unfortunately for Oliver Glasner and his staff, despite several late arrivals to the club and only one exit, they are left navigating a series of injuries that could potentially frustrate their promising campaign.

Losing Adam Wharton is a clear blow to Palace's midfield, as well as to his international prospects but perhaps no injury will be felt as hard as that of Ismaila Sarr, having suffered a hamstring injury against Aston Villa.

The energetic tandem of Sarr and Daniel Munoz on the right flank has rarely been interrupted because of their consistent availability and performances. While this is a sneak preview of the Africa Cup of Nations at the turn of the year when Sarr is set to be away, it is an unwanted one.

He ended the 2025-26 season as the only outfield player to feature in each of the 38 league games, missing only the FA Cup fourth-round fixture against Doncaster Rovers through illness.

After scoring his 10th Premier League goal against Villa, his 15th in all competitions, he already has the strange accolade of being the second-highest scorer remaining at the club, after being here just over a year.

Only behind Jean-Philippe Mateta, that statistic highlights his importance.

Glasner does have other options he will be looking to integrate. However, Christantus Uche, on loan from Getafe, has been away with Nigeria, and new signing Yeremy Pino withdrew from Spain duty with an ankle issue, which will restrict his training time, despite a promising debut.

Injuries can often mean opportunities for others, and Saturday is a golden one for whoever takes Sarr's place against Sunderland.

Find more from Alex Pewter at FYP podcast, external

Who can fill in for Sarr at Sunderland? How should Glasner adapt?

Let us know here