Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will not require surgery for the knee injury that scuppered his proposed move to AC Milan last month.
The 28-year-old Frenchman was on the verge of joining the Serie A side for around 26-30 million pounds on Deadline Day, but concerns over his knee emerged during medical tests, leading Milan to pull out of the deal. Since then, Mateta has consulted multiple specialists, who have collectively judged that the injury “is not as bad as feared” and can be managed without surgery.
“He doesn’t need surgery,” Glasner said. “Several doctors and specialists have looked at the knee and confirmed that we can deal with it in a better way than with an operation. He will miss some time, but hopefully, he is back soon.”
While the manager could not give a precise return date, he emphasized that Mateta remains fully committed to Palace. “I’m 100 percent convinced that JP will give his best when he wears the Eagles shirt again,” Glasner said. “As long as a player is here, a manager is here, and a staff member is here, everybody can expect full commitment, and that is what JP will show.”
Glasner also acknowledged Mateta’s disappointment over the failed transfer but believes clarity over his future will help the striker refocus. “It is clear now that he will be a Palace player until at least the (English) summer,” Glasner added. “He wants to be back as soon as possible and contribute to achieving our goals. That is his mindset, and it’s the best he can do.”
Mateta has scored 56 goals in 186 appearances for Palace, including eight in the Premier League this season. When he returns, he will face competition from club-record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves for a deal worth up to 48 million pounds and made his Palace debut against Brighton on Sunday.
Palace, currently 13th in the Premier League, will host 19th-placed Burnley on Wednesday as they continue their campaign.
