League: EPL Sport: Soccer Country: England Category: Scores & Results

Pierre Sage excludes Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil from Crystal Palace squad

2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 7, 2026, 1:01 PM

Last updated Sep 7, 2026

Pierre Sage excludes Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil from Crystal Palace squad

Summary

Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage confirmed he left Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil out of the matchday squad for the recent contest against Fulham due to poor performances. The decision followed Guessand's exclusion from the club's official Europa League roster. Sage described his choices as sporting decisions intended to motivate the players to improve during training. While the manager expressed a preference against heavy squad rotation, he indicated both players could return for the upcoming match. Meanwhile, Cheick Doucouré returned to the first-team matchday squad as an unused substitute and is expected to see playing time soon.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil missed the match against Fulham following poor performances against Manchester City.
•Guessand was officially left out of the Crystal Palace Europa League squad earlier this week.
•Cheick Doucouré returned to the matchday squad for the first time since his long-term injury.
•Pierre Sage recorded his first victory as Crystal Palace manager at Craven Cottage.
•Doucouré is expected to feature in the team's next game on Tuesday.

Latest Updates

1:01 PMYahoo Sports — Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage says ‘players have to be shaken’ after dropping two summer signings
9:17 AMYahoo Sports — Pierre Sage Reveals Decision To Leave Evann Guessand Out Of Europa League Squad

What they're saying

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Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage opened up on the reasoning behind Evann Guessand and Dwight McNeil's absence at Fulham, how important Ben Chilwell is for the squad and Cheick Doucouré's reaction to his long awaited return to a first team match day squad.
— Yahoo Sports