Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has provided a positive update on striker Jean-Philippe Mateta’s recovery, stating that the forward is regaining his form ahead of the their Premier League match against Southampton on Wednesday.
Mateta, who returned to action over the weekend in an FA Cup quarterfinal win over Fulham after an ear injury, is showing encouraging signs in training.
The French striker of Congolese descent sustained the injury during an FA Cup match against Millwall on March 1, 2025, when he was struck in the head by goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
The incident resulted in a severe laceration to Mateta’s left ear, requiring 25 stitches and a brief hospitalization.
In response, Mateta has been wearing a protective water polo-style helmet during training and matches to safeguard the affected area.
Glasner expressed satisfaction with Mateta’s progress.
“JP is fine. He had 65 minutes at the weekend and he looks like he is getting back into his rhythm. He probably trained a little bit better this week, than last week,” Glasner stated.
