Jean-Philippe Mateta has been given the all-clear to play for Crystal Palace in opposition to Fulham within the FA Cup on Saturday.
The striker will put on a particular masks to guard his ear in what can be his first look because the critical damage he suffered in Palace’s 3-1 win over Millwall within the earlier spherical on March 1.
Mateta posted a video on Instagram after Sky Sports activities Information reported he was match to return, with an accompanying caption saying: “It’s time.”
Mateta required 25 stitches after a horror problem from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts noticed him stretchered off at Selhurst Park within the FA Cup fifth-round tie.
Roberts obtained an prolonged six-match ban from the Soccer Affiliation for his excessive boot on Mateta, who was rushed to hospital after being left bloodied by the problem, with accidents round his ear.
The Frenchman missed Palace’s 1-0 Premier League house win over Ipswich on March 8 – their final recreation previous to the worldwide break – and has been focusing on the FA Cup quarter-final in opposition to Fulham after already returning to particular person coaching.
When requested about his restoration and the timeframe for his return in an unique interview with Sky Sports activities Information final week, Mateta mentioned: “We were in Marbella last week and I trained [not with the squad].”
When pushed for a solution on his return date, he continued: “I don’t know. I’m still in touch with the specialists and the doctor. Hopefully, soon.
“Hopefully, I can play [vs Fulham]. Hopefully, they’ll see me. I am within the floor every single day.”
Jean-Philippe Mateta speaks completely to Sky Sports activities Information
Mateta additionally confirmed the necessity for him to put on a protecting masks when he returns to motion, whereas the stitches proceed to heal fully.
“I need to wear a mask, I need to wear something,” he mentioned. “I will take the best one that is most comfortable.”
Mateta revealed he needed to play on after ear damage
Mateta receives therapy following the problem from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts
Mateta additionally advised Sky Sports activities Information he needed to play on after he suffered a ugly ear damage in opposition to Millwall.
The 27-year-old was unaware of the severity of the injuries he had suffered, and pleaded with the Palace physician to let him return to motion.
In a TV unique with Sky Sports activities Information, Mateta mentioned: “When he kicked me, I was on the floor waiting for him to get the red card. I was good to go. I thought, ‘just get the blood off and keep going’.
“I used to be arguing with the physician for 30 seconds, saying I needed to play. The physician noticed the damage, however I could not see it.
“I couldn’t feel pain. The blood, for sure. But I thought it was a little cut. My ear was like this [dangling]. But it was not painful.”
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Crystal Palace supervisor Oliver Glasner was talking simply earlier than Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts was handed a six-match ban for the problem on Jean-Philippe Mateta, who will miss one recreation after the striker wanted 25 stitches.
He added: “From Palace, everyone was texting me and wanted to come to the hospital to see me. The doctor told them it was OK and that I would be visiting the training ground.
“Liam contacted me and texted me whereas I used to be in hospital and I advised him, ‘it’s okay, it’s soccer’. He apologised. He was nervous.”
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