Crystal Palace Striker Mateta Faces Uncertainty Over Knee Injury
Jean-Philippe Mateta's transfer ambitions have hit a snag as he ponders his options regarding a knee injury. The France forward, who had been in talks with AC Milan for £26m, has now revealed that surgery is on the table to address the issue.
According to coach Oliver Glasner, Mateta will make an informed decision next week on whether or not to undergo the procedure. A team of four doctors – including one from each country where Mateta has played in the past – will be consulted over the coming days to provide guidance.
"We've been managing his knee since the start of the season and have taken steps to ensure he doesn't exacerbate it," Glasner explained. "We're now waiting for another doctor's opinion who worked with Jean-Philippe when he was at Mainz. We'll see how this develops, but our priority is his welfare."
Mateta's situation has been compared to that of Dwight McNeil, whose proposed transfer to Palace collapsed due to a similar medical issue.
While Glasner acknowledged the risks associated with surgery, including the possibility of being out for several months, he urged patience and reassurance. "He's under contract here, and we have rights and duties," he said. "If he doesn't undergo surgery and his knee is okay, he'll start training with us and be integrated into the club like everyone else."
Glasner expressed confidence in Mateta's ability to bounce back from disappointment. "Dealing with disappointment takes a few days, but I've had a good talk with him and I'm pretty sure everything will be fine."
Jean-Philippe Mateta's transfer ambitions have hit a snag as he ponders his options regarding a knee injury. The France forward, who had been in talks with AC Milan for £26m, has now revealed that surgery is on the table to address the issue.
According to coach Oliver Glasner, Mateta will make an informed decision next week on whether or not to undergo the procedure. A team of four doctors – including one from each country where Mateta has played in the past – will be consulted over the coming days to provide guidance.
"We've been managing his knee since the start of the season and have taken steps to ensure he doesn't exacerbate it," Glasner explained. "We're now waiting for another doctor's opinion who worked with Jean-Philippe when he was at Mainz. We'll see how this develops, but our priority is his welfare."
Mateta's situation has been compared to that of Dwight McNeil, whose proposed transfer to Palace collapsed due to a similar medical issue.
While Glasner acknowledged the risks associated with surgery, including the possibility of being out for several months, he urged patience and reassurance. "He's under contract here, and we have rights and duties," he said. "If he doesn't undergo surgery and his knee is okay, he'll start training with us and be integrated into the club like everyone else."
Glasner expressed confidence in Mateta's ability to bounce back from disappointment. "Dealing with disappointment takes a few days, but I've had a good talk with him and I'm pretty sure everything will be fine."