Jean-Philippe Mateta breaks silence with new Crystal Palace comeback message
Jean-Philippe Mateta broke his silence with a cryptic message to Crystal Palace fans as he provided an update following his controversial injury against Millwall.
The French striker has been sidelined ever since suffering a nasty head injury in the clash, when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts caught Mateta with a reckless challenge.
Mateta required significant treatment on the pitch before being stretchered off and taken to hospital, where he needed 25 stitches. The injury ruled him out of Palace’s fixture against Ipswich.
The Millwall keeper was initially given a yellow card before Roberts was sent off by referee Michael Oliver after a VAR review.
Former PGMOL chief Keith Hackett told Football Insider that Roberts should receive a lengthy ban, and after initially receiving a three-match suspension, it was later turned into a six-game ban.
Despite the setback, Mateta has now shared an update with fans that will provide a welcome boost in a crucial week for the club.
Jean-Philippe Mateta hints at Palace return ahead of FA Cup clash with Fulham
The Crystal Palace striker shared a dramatic video on Instagram, which ended with the date 29 March—the day Palace take on Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals.
He captioned the post: “It’s time”, sparking reactions from fellow teammates, including Eddie Nketiah and Adam Wharton.
The 27-year-old has enjoyed another impressive season for the Eagles, scoring 15 goals in all competitions while providing three assists. He is now just four goals away from matching his tally of 19 from the previous campaign.
Earlier reports suggested Mateta could return in time for the Fulham clash, but his latest post all but confirms his comeback.
| Season statistics | Jean-Philippe Mateta |
| Appearances | 39 |
| Goals | 15 |
| Assists | 3 |
Man United stance revealed on Jean-Philippe Mateta amid transfer links
Man United have been linked with a move for the French striker as they look to bolster their attacking options in the summer.
However, former United chief scout Mick Brown revealed to Football Insider that Man United are unlikely to pursue a deal for Mateta, with Harry Kane and Viktor Gyokeres considered priority targets.
Despite speculation over his future, Crystal Palace remain determined to keep Mateta, and his immediate focus appears to be on making an impact on the pitch as the club prepare for his highly anticipated return to action.