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Evann Guessand makes Crystal Palace decision after latest matchday squad no-show
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- Evann Guessand makes Crystal Palace decision after latest matchday squad no-show
Sidelined: Evann Guessand (Getty)
Evann Guessand is prepared to stay and fight for his place in the team despite being left out of Crystal Palace 's matchday squad against Ipswich Town.
Guessand rejoined Palace on loan from Aston Villa this summer after spending the second half of last season at Selhurst Park as the Eagles lifted the Conference League.
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Since returning to south London, though, Guessand has found minutes hard to come by and has now been left out of Palace's last two Premier League squads, while he was also omitted from the club's Europa League squad.
Pierre Sage, who took over from Oliver Glasner in the summer, has criticised the Ivorian's application in training after he scolded him for an ineffective substitute performance against Manchester City .
Sage has quickly gained a reputation for his straight-talking approach, also leaving fellow summer recruit Dwight McNeil out of his squad as Palace secured their first league win of the season away to Fulham last weekend.
Firm but fair appears to be Sage's attitude, and he offered a route back for both Guessand and McNeil ahead of Palace's 3-0 victory over Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup earlier this week.
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"Sometimes players have to be shaken to come back and regain their level," Sage said when asked why he had left McNeil and Guessand out against Fulham.
The attacking duo were both set to play some part against Middlesbrough, with Sage's comments supposedly acting as a wake-up call.
But while McNeil got 15 minutes off the bench, Guessand did not feature after complaining of an injury during the warm-up.
Asked about Guessand's continued absence in his pre-Ipswich press conference on Friday, Sage said the 25-year-old had not reacted the way he had hoped to his criticism.
"He hasn't responded at the level I expect," the former Lens boss said.
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"He mentioned he was injured at the end of the warm-up for the game on Tuesday, that's why he didn't go on the pitch.
"I have to speak to him because we need to find a solution. We need to see the best version of him."
Sage continued, saying his frustration stemmed from the fact that he had seen Guessand perform at a much higher level, and implored him to follow McNeil's example.
Standard Sportunderstands that Guessand is still nursing the injury he picked up in the warm-up against Middlesbrough but is determined to prove his credentials at Palace.
Having enjoyed his time at the club last season, Guessand turned down opportunities from across Europe to return to Palace.
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He is therefore committed to making things work and is not currently contemplating a move elsewhere when the January window opens.
Guessand's relationship with Sage has faced difficulties in the first few weeks of the season, but currently both parties are working towards finding a positive solution.
Palace host Ipswich as they look for their third successive win in all competitions.
