Sidiki Chérif has been pulled out of Angers game against Metz this weekend as a transfer to Crystal Palace remains a possibility.
That’s according to L’Equipe. The newspaper reports that Chérif is being left out of the squad amid speculation about his future.
Angers coach Alexandre Dujeux confirmed his absence at a press conference on Friday. Chérif has been in high demand this month, with Crystal Palace, Fenerbahçe and Paris FC among the suitors.
Crystal Palace are eyeing him as a replacement for Jean-Philippe Mateta. He appears determined to leave Selhurst Park this month. AC Milan are working on a deal for him, as are Nottingham Forest.
Now he’s been left out of the game, partly because of the transfer speculation, but also an ankle injury. He went for an MRI scan on that this week to confirm there was nothing serious.
“It’s a difficult period, and they are obviously unsettled, as the entire squad has been,” acknowledged Dujeux.
“When we don’t feel a player is 100% fit, playing him would be counterproductive. That’s the current situation, and I can’t anticipate what might happen next. But in the meantime, I have to focus entirely on the players who are fully available and ready to play.”
Whether the youngster ends up at Crystal Palace, remains to be seen. Oliver Glasner’s side aren’t the only ones in the mix, with Fulham also muscling in this week.
They at least have the all-clear on the injury front, which it seems Angers don’t want to risk by including him this weekend.
