Evann Guessand's second loan spell at Crystal Palace from Aston Villa has started poorly. The 25-year-old returned to the club in the summer transfer window after helping the Eagles win the Conference League during the second half of last season.
Rejoining Palace and Europa League disappointment
After re-signing, Guessand spoke to the club's media team about his excitement at playing in the Europa League. However, manager Pierre Sage left him out of the European squad, a significant blow to the player.
Following that setback, Guessand was then left at home for Palace's weekend trip to Fulham. This double omission suggests he is not currently in Sage's plans.
Sage explains the decision
“I was not happy when they came on the pitch vs Man City,” Sage explained. “It’s my decision, a sporting decision. Sometimes players have to be shaken to come back and regain their level.”
When asked about leaving Guessand and other players out of the Europa League squad, Sage said: “They were not happy. My work is difficult. I want to give happiness to everybody, but I cannot.
“Every day I make choices and 11 are happy and a lot are unhappy. We have to evaluate this kind of thing throughout the season.”
Contract details and season so far
Crystal Palace have an option to sign Guessand permanently next summer. There is also an obligation trigger that would force a permanent transfer under certain conditions.
So far this season, Guessand has featured in Palace's first two league matches, playing 27 minutes in each against Everton and Manchester City. His limited game time and recent omissions raise questions about his future at the club.
