Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has expressed his desire to feature in next week’s FA Cup quarterfinal clash against Fulham after recovering from a horrendous injury.
The France international was stretchered off in a 3-1 win over Millwall in the FA Cup fifth round earlier this month, after being on the end of a horror challenge from goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
The Lions goalkeeper was sent off for the challenge and received a six-match ban from the English Football Association as punishment.
In a statement released by the Eagles after the match, Mateta was confirmed to have been taken straight to the hospital where he received immediate attention.
“He was taken straight to hospital where he received “specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear”, Palace said in a statement as they confirmed scans were “all clear”.
The 27-year old who recently returned to training and is expected to be back in action after the international break, has stated that he is ready to feature albeit with the aid of a protective mask.
“I was afraid I’d have broken bones or blood in my brain, but in fact, my ear was just destroyed,” Mateta said.
“At the last moment, I had the reflex to turn my face. I was lucky because if I hadn’t, I would have taken his foot right in the head, and it would have been much worse.
I have to be careful to prevent it from getting infected, I have to wash it every time I sweat,” he added.
The former Mainz forward has been one of the top performers for the London side this season, scoring 15 goals and providing three assists in all competitions.
“Next week, I should be able to participate in training matches, but for that, I’ll need a mask while my ear finishes healing.
I’ve been sent several models, and I’ll have to choose between those that just cover the ear and others that cover the whole face”, Mateta continued.
Crystal Palace are 12th on the English Premier League standings and travel to the Craven Cottage after the international break to face Fulham in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup.
Olakitan is a young writer with a strong passion for sports, having gained experience with IndyPress and Nimelssa Press. His enthusiasm for sports inspired him to cover events both within his school and beyond. With a deep understanding of the game and a refined skillset, he brings sports coverage to a broad, global audience in a way that’s engaging and accessible.
