Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is optimistic about having striker Jean-Philippe Mateta available for their FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham on March 29, following a serious injury sustained in the match against Millwall last Saturday.
The 27-year-old French forward was transported to hospital due to a head injury after a clash with Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during their FA Cup fifth-round encounter at Selhurst Park, which Palace ultimately won 3-1.
Roberts raced out of his goal in the sixth minute to intercept a forward pass but collided with Mateta, accidentally kicking him in the head. Mateta required 10 minutes of on-field treatment before being taken to hospital, where he received 25 stitches for a significant laceration to his left ear.
On Friday, Roberts, who reported that he had reached out to Mateta to apologise for the incident, had his suspension for the challenge increased to six matches.
“He (Mateta) won’t be featuring in Saturday’s Premier League home fixture against Ipswich Town, but he’s on the mend,” Glasner informed reporters on Friday.
“He is recovering at home. Thankfully, there are no fractures and no concussion – just a large wound that has been stitched. The healing process is progressing as we had anticipated.
“He will join us next week in Marbella for individual training, and if everything goes according to plan, he should be fit for the Fulham match.
“Everyone is in touch with JP, sending messages of support. It’s clear that he’s doing well and will be back soon. His mother has come from France, so he’s in excellent care! He has great support at home.”
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
