Crystal Palace boss Pierre Sage was not in the mood to discuss one of his players' absence in the Europa League on Thursday, suggesting there is some unrest ahead of Liverpool's visit

Pierre Sage has refused to comment on defender Axel Disasi’s absence from his squad in a further sign that all is not well at Crystal Palace ahead of Liverpool’s visit.

Andoni Iraola’s side makes the trip to Selhurst Park on Sunday looking to respond following back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Fenerbahce. The Reds though will be taking on a side in much more turmoil at the moment.

Palace has not made a great start under former Lens boss Sage, with the Eagles lying in the Premier League’s relegation zone after picking up seven points from their first nine games, putting the Frenchman under pressure from fans.

They did manage to rescue a point against Hoffenheim in the Europa League on Thursday, with Daichi Kamada striking in stoppage time to earn his side a 1-1 draw after Adam Wharton had been sent off, potentially giving Palace some momentum ahead of the weekend.

Sage though showed more signs of unrest in his dressing room, with Disasi’s absence from his squad raising eyebrows before and after the game.

Disasi, who is on loan at Palace from Chelsea, had played in all three previous European games this season, and has been a regular starter in the Premier League, making his no-show on Thursday all the more curious amid no suggestions that he was carrying an injury.

Speaking to TNT Sports before the game, Sage was asked about Disasi’s absence, to which he replied: "It's a decision I took this afternoon."

Asked whether there was any specific reason for the call, he responded: “No, thank you.”

He couldn’t avoid further questions about Disasi though, with the defender’s absence being brought up in his post-match press conference.

“It’s an internal decision, I don’t want to comment,” Sage said.

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When he was asked whether Disasi’s absence was similar to other players’ omissions in previous games, Sage replied: “It’s nice to try to ask the same question, but I said I don’t want to comment. I’m sorry for that because you know I always reply, but I don’t want to comment on this thing.”

A reporter then put it to him that Disasi’s absence could be seen as a sign that he was losing control, to which Sage commented: “It’s your analysis.”

Sage did tell TNT Sports that Disasi will be available against Liverpool on Sunday, while talkSPORT has claimed that the defender was left out against Hoffenheim due to being late for a team meeting.

Liverpool.com says: Sage is among the favorites for the first Premier League manager to be fired this season, sitting just behind Manchester United’s Michael Carrick. Liverpool fans will be hoping they get the chance to face both before any decision is made, with the Reds’ next two games coming against them either side of the international break.