Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage's frustration with forward Evann Guessand has reached a critical point, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, with the 25-year-old's future at Selhurst Park increasingly uncertain. The Ivory Coast international has struggled to maintain regular first-team minutes since rejoining the Eagles on loan from Aston Villa, and mounting squad competition threatens to push him further down the pecking order unless he can dramatically alter his trajectory.
Brown revealed to Football Insider that Guessand's inconsistent form and lack of application have effectively removed him from contention under Sage's management. "I've had my doubts about Guessand from his time at Aston Villa where he really struggled," Brown stated. "Now he's not even getting into the squad at Crystal Palace because he's not good enough, his performances haven't been good enough and the manager has other options." The scout emphasized that Sage has publicly signaled his dissatisfaction, indicating the forward must find a way to convince the boss of his worth or risk sliding further toward the periphery.
Guessand's predicament has become increasingly dire as additional attacking talent waits in the wings. With Sarr and Mateta set to return to full availability, the forward faces a crowded attacking lineup ahead of him—currently trailing at least four Palace players in the manager's pecking order. While Sage's patience appears exhausted, Brown suggested the situation could unfold in one of two directions: Guessand either buckles down to prove his mettle, or he allows frustration to consume him from the sidelines.
Having initially caught the eye during an earlier loan spell at Palace, when he scored against Wolves, Guessand must urgently reverse his downward slide to salvage his loan arrangement. Without a dramatic upturn in performances, a January exit back to Aston Villa appears increasingly likely, marking a disappointing turn for a player who once showed genuine promise in South London.