Jean-Philippe Mateta injury latest as Crystal Palace stance emerges ahead of Fulham clash
Everything you need to know about Jean-Philippe Mateta’s injury and when the Crystal Palace striker could return.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has struggled with injury of late, suffering a nasty head injury in the FA Cup recently. The Frenchman has been key for the Eagles this season, netting 12 times in the Premier League alone.
Palace will be desperate to get him back for the FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham this weekend, with a place at Wembley on the line. Here we round up all you need to know about the injury and when Mateta could return.
What injury did Jean-Philippe Mateta suffer?
Palace striker Mateta suffered a facial laceration and significant bruising during the FA Cup clash with Millwall. Goalkeeper Liam Roberts came out and tried to kick the ball at head-height, but his studs were planted at the side of the striker’s head, around the ear area and across the side of his face.
The challenge forced Mateta off, and he had to be stretchered off, likely due to concerns of concussion, given the force of the challenge and the impact it would have had on Mateta’s head. Meanwhile, Roberts was sent off and he was suspended for six games for serious foul play, three more games than the usual suspension.
What has Glasner said about Mateta’s injury?
Palace boss Glasner was pretty understanding of the challenge after the game, saying: “I’m pretty sure he did not want to injure JP in this situation, but I also think you have to decide when you make such an impact, that you just can’t do it in this way – the risk of a very serious injury is just too high. It was the wrong decision that the goalkeeper took in this moment, but I always believe all the sportsmen I know they never want to injure the opposition players, he didn’t want to injure him in this way, but the decision to go to the ball with his foot at this height, with this intensity, was the completely wrong decision.”
Meanwhile, Palace owner Steve Parish said on Match of the Day at half-time of the game: “In all the time I’ve watched football, I’ve never seen a challenge like it,” he said. “It is the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen.”
In terms of his recovery, Mateta told Sky Sports before the international break: “Hopefully, I can play [against Fulham]. Hopefully, you never know. Hopefully, they will see me. I’m in the ground every day. The doctor is the person, he will decide. I will wear a mask, I think so.”
When will Mateta return from his injury?
As Mateta details above, it’s hoped he can return this weekend for the FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham. The Evening Standard have reported that the Frenchman is indeed in contention to play this weekend, but the medical staff at Selhurst Park will have the final decision later this week.
Mateta would wear a specialist facemask, as is common place for facial injuries in sports these days. How long Mateta will have to wear the facemask for will depend on the severity of the bruising and for how long there are wounds that could reopen.
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