Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta will not require surgery for the injury that prevented his potential January move to AC Milan, according to Palace manager Oliver Glasner. The club confirmed that the injury, sustained prior to the end of the transfer window, was significant enough to halt transfer discussions but not severe enough to necessitate an operation.
Mateta had been linked with a move to Serie A side AC Milan during the winter transfer window, with negotiations reportedly progressing before the discovery of the injury during medical evaluations. The move ultimately did not materialize, leaving the striker in South London as the second half of the season got underway.
In comments made following Crystal Palace training sessions, Glasner clarified that while the injury ruled Mateta out of a move abroad, medical assessments have indicated that non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation will be sufficient for his recovery. Although the club has not released specific details about the nature of the injury or the expected timeline for Mateta’s return to match fitness, optimism remains that he could be available for selection in the coming weeks.
The 26-year-old has made key contributions for Palace during the season, and his absence was immediately felt in the club’s attacking options. Glasner emphasized the importance of having Mateta back in action but also stated the priority is the player’s long-term health and full recovery.
Palace currently face a challenging stretch of fixtures in the Premier League, and Mateta’s potential return would add depth to their front line. The French forward has been with Crystal Palace since January 2021, initially arriving on loan before making the move permanent. Since joining, he has shown flashes of form that have drawn attention from top European clubs, leading to Milan’s interest last month.
With surgery ruled out, Palace will monitor Mateta’s progress in training, and any return to competitive play will depend on his recovery trajectory. The club continues to work closely with medical staff to ensure a cautious and effective rehabilitation process.
