Jean-Philippe Mateta eyes France return after injury setback at Crystal Palace

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta remains determined to revive his international career and earn a recall to the France national team after an injury-disrupted start to the season.

The 29-year-old forward, who was part of France’s squad for last summer’s FIFA World Cup under Didier Deschamps, missed out on new manager Zinedine Zidane’s first selection because of injury.

Speaking to RMC Sport, Mateta insisted he had not given up hope of representing his country again and set his sights on earning a place in France’s squad for November’s international fixtures.

“My whole life, I have worked to be in the France national team. I know that it isn’t over. I will do everything to get back in the team. Playing for Zidane? It would be a dream. He is one of the best players in the history of the France national team. It would be a dream, just as it was to play under Didier Deschamps. I will do everything to be called up in November,” said the striker.

Mateta faces competition for France place

Mateta was a squad player during France’s World Cup campaign, and his absence from Zidane’s first squad has raised questions about his position in the national team’s attacking pecking order.

Esteban Lepaul was included in the new manager’s selection, while Ousmane Dembélé has emerged as France’s preferred option through the middle, with Kylian Mbappé potentially operating on the left.

Mateta will therefore need to regain match fitness and demonstrate his quality to compete for a place in the squad.

Crystal Palace return offers hope

The striker’s immediate priority is to return to regular action for Crystal Palace under manager Pierre Sage after struggling with a hamstring injury.

Mateta has made just one appearance so far this season, describing the injury as “complex” in his interview with RMC Sport.

However, he offered an encouraging update on his recovery, saying he expected to rejoin team training on Friday and hoped to be considered for the squad to face Nottingham Forest.

“I will be back on the pitch soon. I will finally back with the team tomorrow (Friday) and I will do everything to be in the squad (to face Nottingham Forest).”

A return to consistent club football would give Mateta the opportunity to rebuild his form and strengthen his case for a France recall as he seeks to work under Zidane for the first time.