Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage has conceded that Ismaila Sarr needs time to recover from his transfer ordeal.

Sarr, who scored 21 goals in 45 appearances for Palace last season, tried to force an exit at the end of the transfer window amid interest from Liverpool, Turkey and Saudi Arabia.

But Palace stood firm, maintaining throughout that the Senegalese international was not for sale.

Their hardline, though, prompted a frustrated response from Sarr, who threw a strop and deleted all Palace references from his Instagram account.

The 28-year-old will not be involved in Palace’s game at Fulham on Saturday due to a groin injury that has kept him sidelined since the start of the season.

However, Sage is hopeful Sarr will be available from next week, once he has had time to recover both physically and emotionally.

‘I spoke with him yesterday and he said he’s sure to be with us,’ Sage replied when asked if the winger could leave for Turkey or Saudi Arabia as their transfer windows remain open.

‘He has to digest because it's a dream for a lot of players to play with this kind of club. He had a good opportunity but it didn’t work.

‘If he wants the interest to continue, he has to give a good season with us, perform with us and score a lot of goals as he did last year. But we know that he needs time.

‘I expect him (to be back) next week but I’ve said this twice before. What is important is that he comes in good shape and in a good mindset. That's why sometimes we want to wait a little bit.’

Former West Brom and Fulham striker Diomansy Kamara represents Sarr and released a statement on Wednesday, condemning Palace for ‘not respecting the will of an African player’.

But Sage dismissed those claims: ‘I don't really agree with this position. The club and the people here are respectful. We respect a lot of things and we just want the best for our club and our players.’