Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is facing a knee injury crisis that has already ruled out his move to AC Milan in January. The 28-year-old France forward has been struggling with a swollen knee for most of the season, which led to him failing a medical at the Italian club on Transfer Deadline Day.
The club's head coach Oliver Glasner has downplayed the severity of the injury, saying that Mateta is "fine" and willing to deal with his disappointment. However, he acknowledged that the player needs to undergo surgery to address the issue, which could keep him out for several months.
Glasner revealed that Mateta will have another doctor's opinion next week, along with a fourth specialist who worked with the player during his time at Mainz in 2022. The Palace boss emphasized that the club prioritizes Mateta's welfare and is exploring all possible options to get him fit for France's World Cup campaign this summer.
Mateta was reportedly close to joining AC Milan on Deadline Day, but the transfer collapsed due to the knee issue. His teammate Dwight McNeil also suffered a setback in his move to Palace, with his partner describing the situation as "heartbreaking" for their family.
Glasner refused to comment on whether Mateta could have been more proactive in addressing the injury, saying that he has a duty to ensure the player is fit and healthy. However, he acknowledged that dealing with disappointment can take time and encouraged Mateta to focus on his training and recovery.
With the World Cup just around the corner, Mateta's fitness status will be crucial for France. The club's management is taking a cautious approach, but Glasner remains optimistic about the player's prospects of making a return to action in time for the tournament.
The club's head coach Oliver Glasner has downplayed the severity of the injury, saying that Mateta is "fine" and willing to deal with his disappointment. However, he acknowledged that the player needs to undergo surgery to address the issue, which could keep him out for several months.
Glasner revealed that Mateta will have another doctor's opinion next week, along with a fourth specialist who worked with the player during his time at Mainz in 2022. The Palace boss emphasized that the club prioritizes Mateta's welfare and is exploring all possible options to get him fit for France's World Cup campaign this summer.
Mateta was reportedly close to joining AC Milan on Deadline Day, but the transfer collapsed due to the knee issue. His teammate Dwight McNeil also suffered a setback in his move to Palace, with his partner describing the situation as "heartbreaking" for their family.
Glasner refused to comment on whether Mateta could have been more proactive in addressing the injury, saying that he has a duty to ensure the player is fit and healthy. However, he acknowledged that dealing with disappointment can take time and encouraged Mateta to focus on his training and recovery.
With the World Cup just around the corner, Mateta's fitness status will be crucial for France. The club's management is taking a cautious approach, but Glasner remains optimistic about the player's prospects of making a return to action in time for the tournament.
. It sounds too convenient. And what's up with that fourth specialist they're bringing in? Who is that even? It smells like a setup to me 
. The Palace boss just glossed over the whole thing and said he has a duty to ensure Mateta's fit... but what about Mateta's own responsibility here? Did he really not take care of himself? And Dwight McNeil's partner was all upset... that's too much drama for my taste 
. I'm not saying it can't happen naturally, but I've got a bad feeling about this...
I feel bad for Jean-Philippe Mateta, he was so close to joining AC Milan and now this knee injury crisis is gonna make him miss the World Cup? 
That would be really tough for him, not just because of his club or country, but also as a person. 
His teammate Dwight's family situation with McNeil's move being cancelled must be stressful enough without Mateta's own struggles on top of that. 
Oliver Glasner is right, though - dealing with disappointment takes time, and you can't rush recovery. Let's hope JP gets the treatment he needs and comes back stronger than ever! 
i feel bad for him and dwight mcneil tho, their family must be going through so much stress 
what if he doesn't make it back to the pitch on time? 
anyway, gotta keep fingers crossed for mateta and hope his surgery goes smooth 
source: 
having a transfer collapse just because of an injury is tough enough, but then u gotta deal with the disappointment too 
u know i'm so hyped 4 Jean-Philippe Mateta!!! 
i cant even imagine w/o him on the pitch this summer for France 
... it's like, such a big deal w/ the World Cup coming up & all... but at da same time, gotta be real, knee injuries r no joke 
that's harsh, AC Milan was really close to getting him, now he might miss the World Cup 
. The coach trying to downplay it saying he's "fine" but we know that's not true, dude 
. It's like, come on Jean-Philippe, get your act together 
️.
.
Does France even have a backup plan? And what about Dwight McNeil, poor guy... his family must be going through this too 
he was so close to joining ac milan but now he's stuck with another surgery 
. The World Cup is just around the corner and this injury crisis is only going to raise the stakes 
He's already having surgery, that shows he's not taking this lightly 
. I'm sure Oliver Glasner will do everything he can to help Mateta recover and be fit for the tournament 
!
this injury crisis for Jean-Philippe Mateta is really worrying... i mean, AC Milan was supposed to be a great opportunity for him and now it's all because of his knee 
. the question is though, how much time will he need to recover? 