‘Jean-Philippe Mateta makes Crystal Palace return’ after Millwall suspension doubled
Crystal Palace have missed Jean-Philippe Mateta since their FA Cup tie against Millwall, but the wait for their striker to return could soon be over.
Mateta’s injury in Palace’s fifth-round tie at Selhurst Park made headlines around the world, as he was caught in the head by a flying kick from Millwall keeper Liam Roberts and required 25 stitches as a result.
Those 25 stitches to Mateta’s ear left the Frenchman bandaged as he missed Palace’s Premier League win over Ipswich on 8 March, albeit this was the only match they played prior to the international break.
That’s certainly fewer matches than Roberts has missed in the fallout of the incident, with ex-PGMOL chief Keith Hackett telling Football Insider that the Millwall shot-stopper should have received a lengthy ban.
Roberts in the end was banned for six matches – doubled from the initial three-game sentence he was shown – and is still yet to return, but Mateta could be back on the grass much sooner than expected.
Jean-Philippe Mateta return date set for Crystal Palace v Fulham
Palace return to action after the international break against Fulham in the FA Cup quarter-finals, and after being injured in the match which saw the Eagles progress, Mateta is set to rejoin the squad on 29 March.
The Times reported on 23 March that Mateta is “in contention” to feature at Craven Cottage, but will do so sporting a specially-made mask designed to protect his left ear after those 25 stitches were made.
| Player | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
| Jean-Philippe Mateta | 33 | 30 | 15 | 3 | 3 |
Mateta played in a “specially arranged” match behind closed doors last Saturday which has seen him prove his fitness, and the 27-year-old will return to full team training on Tuesday ahead of facing Fulham.
The Frenchman had been training alone following his injury, before having his bandages removed and joining a warm-weather camp in Marbella, with Palace still keen to tie him down to a new contract.
Crystal Palace prospects v Fulham transformed by Mateta return
Mateta potentially being back in business – and potentially thrown straight into the starting XI – against Fulham will leave Palace fans salivating at the prospect of Oliver Glasner’s side getting back to their best.
The Eagles’ number 14 is arguably the most important player in Glasner’s system at Selhurst Park, and as they prepare to head to West London, having Mateta in tow could prove vital for a Palace victory.
Fulham’s last home loss came in February – a 2-0 defeat inflicted by Palace with Mateta assisting Daniel Munoz’s clincher – and with their first-choice frontman returning, confidence of a first FA Cup semi-final since 2022 will be sky-high in South London.