Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to miss Manchester City match with hamstring injury

Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta will miss Friday evening’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City after suffering a hamstring injury in the team’s final training session before the match.

The Athletic reports that Mateta has been left out of Crystal Palace’s squad for the game, which takes place on Friday evening as the second round of the 2026-27 Premier League season begins.

The injury is expected to keep the France international out for about four weeks, according to the report. His absence is a significant setback for Oliver Glasner’s side, with Mateta established as the London club’s first-choice striker.

Mateta played 62 minutes of Crystal Palace’s opening league match of the season but was unable to score or provide an assist. Palace were beaten 2-0 by Everton in that fixture and are now looking for their first Premier League victory of the 2026-27 campaign against Manchester City.

The 28-year-old has made 203 appearances for Crystal Palace, scoring 62 goals and creating a further 14. His form and importance to the team mean the injury leaves Palace without a key attacking option for a demanding fixture.

Mateta’s absence also comes amid reported transfer interest from Aston Villa. The Athletic previously reported that Aston Villa were considering a move for the striker as they looked to replace Ollie Watkins following his departure for Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal.

Crystal Palace will therefore face Manchester City without the forward who led their attack in the opening match of the season. The club will hope the reported four-week recovery timeframe allows Mateta to return relatively soon, although he is not available for Friday’s meeting.

Manchester City provide a difficult opponent for Palace as the visitors attempt to respond to their defeat by Everton and secure their first points of the new league campaign. For Crystal Palace, the immediate challenge is to find a way to threaten the champions without their specialist centre-forward.

The match is the opening fixture of the second Premier League round and was scheduled for Friday evening. Mateta’s injury was only confirmed after the final training session, leaving Palace to make their preparations without one of their most experienced attacking players.