Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will not require surgery on the knee injury that derailed his January move to AC Milan. Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the injury is not as severe as initially feared, potentially keeping the France international’s World Cup hopes alive. According to Bbc.com.
Mateta avoids surgery as Palace boss confirms injury less serious than expected
The £30m transfer to AC Milan collapsed on deadline day after knee issues emerged during two separate medical examinations. Mateta had been on the verge of completing the move to the Italian giants before the injury concerns surfaced. Glasner revealed that several specialists and doctors have now played down the severity of the problem.
The 28-year-old striker has been carrying the knee injury throughout the first half of the season while maintaining his goal-scoring form. He has netted eight Premier League goals this campaign as part of his overall tally of 56 goals in 186 Palace appearances. The positive medical assessment significantly boosts his chances of featuring for France at the World Cup, which begins in June.
Glasner could not provide a specific timeline for Mateta’s return to training but expressed complete confidence in the striker’s commitment to Palace. “I’m 100% convinced that JP will give his best when he wears the Eagles shirt again,” the Austrian manager stated. He emphasized that the player deserves full support from supporters given his contributions to the club.
The Palace boss expects Mateta to demonstrate total dedication upon his return, describing him as someone who will be “100% committed” to the Eagles. “As long as a player is here, then everybody can expect being 100% committed to Crystal Palace, and that is what JP will show,” Glasner added. He called on fans to appreciate what the striker has achieved during his time at Selhurst Park.
When Mateta does return to fitness, he will face increased competition for his striking position following Palace’s deadline day acquisition of Jorgen Strand Larsen. The club secured the Norwegian forward from Wolves in a deal worth up to £48m, representing their record signing as they look to climb from their current 13th position in the table.
