Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage addressed the media in a news conference ahead of Friday’s Premier League matchup against Manchester City at Selhurst Park, set to kick off at 20:00 BST.

Here are the key lines from his conference:

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• Ismaila Sarr will be sidelined with a groin injury. Sage stated, “We’ll prepare him – he needs time. I thought it would be quicker, but I am not medical [staff] – that’s why I wait for him, and we’ll prepare him to come back with us.”

• Chadi Riad, who had to leave the match against Everton due to injury, is currently seeking “specialist” advice, and Sage did not specify a timeline for his return.

• The season-long loan of Axel Disasi to Palace is considered “good news” for the team, especially with Riad likely out. Sage mentioned, “He is ready. He had his first session with us today. We will see if he’s able to play on Friday. He didn’t play in collective conditions during the beginning of the season, but he’s a football player and we have the opportunity to help him with time to come in to the team.”

• Despite speculation regarding striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s potential departure from Selhurst Park, Sage remains optimistic about keeping the France international. He said, “I don’t see a player who has a problem with the club or with us. That’s why he played the last game as a starter. Imagine if you have a problem with us, he would not play as a starter.”

• Sarr has also been the subject of transfer rumors; however, Sage affirmed that he has “no problem” with the 28-year-old, stating, “For the moment, he is with us. He is under contract. He is injured, and maybe you can make a link with his injury and the situation. For me, he is honest, and I have no problem with that.”

• Reflecting on his first game as manager at Selhurst Park, Sage expressed optimism: “I think it will be a wonderful moment, but I prefer to have a wonderful moment at the end of the game. OK, they [supporters] will be happy to see us, but I think they will be happy to see us win.”

Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage has been speaking to the media before Friday’s Premier League game against Manchester City at Selhurst Park (kick-off 20:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

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• Ismaila Sarr has a groin injury and will miss the match. Sage said: “We’ll prepare him – he needs time. I thought it would be quicker, but I am not medical [staff] – that’s why I wait for him, and we’ll prepare him to come back with us.”

• Chadi Riad, who was substituted off injured in the 2-0 loss to Everton, is seeking “specialist” advice – the French boss did not confirm a return date.

• Axel Disasi’s season-long loan to Palace is “good news” for his side, as Sage expects Riad to be sidelined. On Disasi, Sage added: “He is ready. He had his first session with us today. We will see if he’s able to play on Friday. He didn’t play in collective conditions during the beginning of the season, but he’s a football player and we have the opportunity to help him with time to come in to the team.”

• Although striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park, Sage expects the France international to stay at the club. “I don’t see a player who has a problem with the club or with us,” said Sage. “That’s why he played the last game as a starter. Imagine if you have a problem with us, he would not play as a starter.”

• Sarr has also been linked with a move away from the club, but Sage said he has “no problem” with the 28-year-old: “For the moment, he is with us. He is under contract. He is injured, and maybe you can make a link with his injury and the situation. For me, he is honest, and I have no problem with that.”

• On his first game as boss at Selhurst Park: “I think it will be a wonderful moment, but I prefer to have a wonderful moment at the end of the game. OK, they [supporters] will be happy to see us, but I think they will be happy to see us win.”

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