Crystal Palace news: Larsen boost as Mateta misses Liverpool

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Jorgen Strand Larsen can play 60 to 75 minutes against Liverpool, Pierre Sage has confirmed, giving Crystal Palace an option up front while Jean-Philippe Mateta serves his suspension.

Palace host Liverpool at Selhurst Park on Sunday 8 November, with kick-off at 2pm. Sage is weighing up Strand Larsen and Eddie Nketiah as his side look to respond to an inconsistent start to the Premier League season.

The latest Crystal Palace news also brings an update on Ismaila Sarr, who is expected back after the international break. Quinten Timber has already returned to the squad following his hamstring problem.

Crystal Palace injury news: Strand Larsen available against Liverpool

Strand Larsen was an unused substitute in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with Hoffenheim, but Sage said that decision reflected how the match developed rather than a fresh fitness setback.

In his pre-match update on Strand Larsen’s availability, the Palace manager said the striker could handle a significant spell against Liverpool.

“I think he’s able to play 60, 75 minutes and with the head and the stamina, maybe he can push this.”

That gives Sage a possible starter, although it does not guarantee a full match. Nketiah is another option, and the manager highlighted his ability to play behind a striker as well as lead the attack.

Jean-Philippe Mateta suspension leaves Palace with a decision

Mateta is serving a three-match suspension following his red card against Tottenham. Palace’s appeal was unsuccessful, leaving Sage to choose how best to replace his centre-forward.

The manager pointed to opportunities Strand Larsen and Nketiah took when Mateta was injured earlier in the season. That earlier injury is separate from the suspension keeping him out now.

“We have to deal with it. We have big confidence in the other players. They’ve shown they are able to play and they are able to compete.”

Sage wants his forwards involved throughout the attack: contributing to build-up play, pressing and finishing chances. He cited Strand Larsen’s goals against Ipswich and Lech Poznan, alongside Nketiah’s contributions against Fulham and Lech Poznan.

With Nketiah also capable of playing as a number 10, Palace have scope to use the pair together. Sage has not confirmed whether he will take that approach on Sunday.

Sarr still out as Timber returns to the squad

Sarr will miss Liverpool’s visit as he continues his recovery from a groin injury. Sage said he would return after the international break, without giving an exact match date.

Chadi Riad and Takehiro Tomiyasu also remain unavailable. However, Friday’s team-news round-up confirms Timber returned to the squad on Thursday, so he should no longer be included among Palace’s confirmed absentees.

Player	Status ahead of Liverpool
Jean-Philippe Mateta	Suspended following his red card against Tottenham
Jorgen Strand Larsen	Available; Sage says he can play 60–75 minutes
Ismaila Sarr	Out with a groin injury; expected back after the international break
Chadi Riad	Out with a knee injury
Takehiro Tomiyasu	Out with a calf injury
Quinten Timber	Returned to the squad after a hamstring problem

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool: Sage backs players to respond

Sage has stood behind his players despite Palace’s difficult start, describing Liverpool’s visit as “maybe the opportunity to create something special for this group”.

He declined to draw encouragement from Liverpool’s successive defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahce, stressing that Palace must establish themselves from the start.

For the hosts, the immediate selection question is how to replace Mateta without losing the pressing and finishing Sage demands. Strand Larsen’s availability helps, while Nketiah’s flexibility gives the manager another way to shape his attack.

Crystal Palace vs Liverpool kicks off at 2pm on Sunday 8 November at Selhurst Park. Our Premier League weekend preview covers the other fixtures, with further updates in our Premier League news section.

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