Crystal Palace attacker Ismaila Sarr’s injury is not as serious as initially feared, sources have told Football Insider.
The winger sustained an ankle issue during the Eagles’ recent 2-1 defeat to Manchester United, and there had been concerns that he could miss the entirety of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Sarr is expected to be part of Senegal’s squad as they chase their second continental title, but that had appeared uncertain due to the injury he picked up.
However, sources have now indicated to Football Insider that his involvement in the tournament is back on track, with a potential return for Palace also looking likely.
Ismaila Sarr could feature for Crystal Palace vs Man City:
Sarr has been pivotal for Palace so far this season, already registering four goal contributions from his opening 11 Premier League appearances in 2025-26.
He was substituted by Oliver Glasner shortly before half-time in that defeat to Manchester United, and the South London side had been bracing for a lengthy absence, which saw him miss victories over Burnley and Fulham.
Sources have now told Football Insider that the injury is believed to be little more than a knock, and Sarr could be back in action as soon as Sunday’s match against Manchester City.
The Eagles are preparing to host Pep Guardiola’s side at Selhurst Park, and they are hopeful that Sarr will be available for selection in the matchday squad.
With the setback now expected to be much less severe than first thought, the 27-year-old would then head off to join the Senegal squad ahead of AFCON, starting on 21 December.
Who else could be absent for Palace during AFCON?
Sarr’s influence for Palace this season means he is likely to be their most significant absentee for the Africa Cup of Nations, which runs from 21 December until 18 January.
Finalised squads for Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, and Mali are yet to be confirmed by their respective managers, but the selections could have a major impact on Palace.
Potential fixtures Sarr and others could miss due to AFCON:
- 18 December – KuPS (Europa League)
- 20 December – Leeds (Premier League)
- 23 December – Arsenal (Carabao Cup QF)
- 28 December – Tottenham (Premier League)
- 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 be involved with the Nigeria squad for the finals, while the injured Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure may still receive last-minute call-ups for Morocco and Mali, respectively.
With that in mind, Glasner could be forced to cope without up to four senior players in the coming weeks, or it could be just Sarr heading off for international duty.
The Austrian manager may be without his star for up to nine fixtures across all competitions and will be seeking a reliable solution for his absence in the upcoming weeks.