Jean-Philippe Mateta given ‘green light’ at Crystal Palace amid Man United links
Crystal Palace have received a major boost on exit-linked star forward Jean-Philippe Mateta ahead of their FA Cup tie with Fulham.
The 27-year-old has been an incredible asset for Oliver Glasner’s side this season, but after a horrific clash with Millwall’s Liam Roberts, he has been sidelined since the beginning of March.
Ismaila Sarr stepped up in his absence, scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town before the international break, but Mateta’s 15 goals across all competitions are almost impossible to replace.
That is exactly why supporters are incredibly excited about the latest update from Palace’s training ground ahead of a tough FA Cup clash against Fulham on Saturday, 29 March.
Jean-Philippe Mateta set to return ahead of Fulham v Crystal Palace
Sky Sports News have reported [27 March] that the Frenchman has been given the “green light” to feature in the Eagles’ encounter at Craven Cottage, fighting for a spot in the FA Cup semi-finals.
Having received 25 stitches on his ear after the clash with Millwall’s goalkeeper, the striker will be wearing a mask for the cup tie, but fans are excited to see him back on the pitch.
Ruben Amorim keeping an ear to the wall at Selhurst Park
Football Insider verdict
Experiencing yet another sensational season in Palace colours, Mick Brown told Football Insider that Palace are attempting to tie Mateta down to a new contract in an attempt to deter interest from Man United.
Amorim’s side are one of multiple keeping tabs on the in-form striker, and based on whether Glasner decides to utilise Mateta from the start against the Cottagers could play a role this summer.
| Player | Minutes played | Goals | Assists | Total G/A |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | 2,554 | 15 | 3 | 18 |
The Austrian’s handling of his key goalscorer is bound to have something of a bearing on the player’s intentions on the opportunity to switch to Old Trafford once the summer window opens.
The 27-year-old getting back in the side should help him maintain interest from Manchester if he has designs to move, but any poor performances between now and the end of the season could equally see him overlooked and the Eagles miss out on a massive payday, given how incredibly clinical he has been so far this term.
Amorim’s current selection of Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, who was recently called out for mocking Cristiano Ronaldo, has failed to set the world alight, and Mateta could very much be the answer ahead of next season.