Crystal Palace forward set to return to training after missing Carabao Cup clash – as Sage hails Strand Larsen impact

Pierre Sage has revealed Eddie Nketiah is set to return to Crystal Palace training ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ipswich Town.

Nketiah missed Palace’s 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Middlesbrough, in which Jorgen Strand Larsen scored twice.

Nketiah could return to training as early as Thursday, while Sage says Strand Larsen should be fit enough to start despite playing a lot of minutes of late.

“Now, I just have to manage the freshness [of Jorgen], because he played 45 on Fulham, 60, 65 today, and we play on Saturday,” Sage said.

“I think he will be able to start [against Ipswich Town], but we will see what happens, because Eddie Nketiah will be able to train maybe tomorrow or after tomorrow.”

Sage believes the increased competition for places will benefit his squad, with players under pressure to perform in order to keep their place.

“It’s always a good problem when a player performs and the others have to move them – because a coach always likes this,” he said.

“It’s a good thing for the others, because they don’t have to give up. They have to give their best too. Sometimes, this kind of situation has a good effect on every player.

“I think it’s the same for every position. You spoke about the striker, but I think it’s the same for every position.”