Crystal Palace star Jean Philippe Mateta has been given the green light after recovering from his horror injury against Millwall. But the striker will be required to wear a protective mask to cover his ear as he prepares to return to action. Mateta has been ruled out of action since he was taken to hospital during Palace’s FA Cup 3-1 win over against Millwall on March 1, following a reckless tackle from goalkeeper Liam Roberts. The Frenchman sustained head injuries and suffered a gash to his ear which required 25 stitches after a reckless challenge from Roberts, who was sent off and banned for six matches.
He missed Palace’s 1-0 Premier League win over Ipswich on March 8, which was their last game before the two-week international break began. But he has been working hard to return in time for their FA Cup quarter-final clash against Fulham after rejoining training earlier than expected. Mateta has been training individually to work on his fitness and, according to Sky Sports News, he now been cleared to return for the quarter-final clash on March 29.
The idea is that wearing a protective face mask will serve as a valuable tool in protecting Mateta’s ear when competing aerially. Such masks – which have been worn by the likes of Victor Osimhen and Kylian Mbappe in recent times – can reduce recovery times by several weeks.
The 27-year-old posted a cryptic video clip on social media suggesting he is due back on the pitch. Posting on Instagram, Mateta wrote in the accompanying caption: “It’s time.”
Mateta travelled to Marbella for warm-weather training to aid his recovery and hinted he could be fit to make his comeback in the all-London quarter-final clash. When asked about his recovery and the timeframe for his return in an exclusive interview with Sky Sports News last week, Mateta said: “We were in Marbella last week and I trained [not with the squad].”
On his return, he added: “I don’t know. I’m still in touch with the specialists and the doctor. Hopefully, soon. Hopefully, I can play [vs Fulham]. Hopefully, they can see me. I’m in the ground every day.”
Palace will be desperate to have Mateta fit again after enjoying an impressive season up front, scoring 15 goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Oliver Glasner’s side are looking to reach the semi-finals at Wembley for the third time in nine years – having lost 2-0 to Chelsea in 2021-22 and 2-1 after extra-time against Manchester United in the final in 2015-16.
