Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta earned a warm reception from the Adidas Arena crowd at halftime of Saturday’s Coupe de France semi-final between Paris Basket and Bourg-en-Bresse.
The striker has shared details of a brutal ear injury from a March 1 FA Cup match against Millwall, where he needed 25 stitches to mend the damage.
“I’m feeling great. No pain in my ear anymore, no bandage. I just have to stay cautious and clean it every time I sweat. I should be back in training next week with a mask until it fully heals. I’ve received several models to choose from,” Mateta explained.
He recounted the chaotic moment it happened: “I was chasing a through-ball and passed a defender, then suddenly saw something coming at me. I turned my face at the last moment, which saved me from a more serious injury. I stayed conscious and told the doctor I was fine, but he saw my ear and said, ‘No, you need to go out.’”
After the incident, Mateta landed in the hospital, initially worried about fractures or worse. His ear, though, stole the spotlight. “A plastic surgeon came and took photos of my ear, which he refused to show me, not wanting to affect me psychologically. It didn’t even look like an ear anymore. The surgeon struggled but eventually found a way to save it,” he revealed.
Forced into rest, he admitted, “Not really. I’m hyperactive. My mom came from Paris to take care of me. I spent the time watching movies and reading The Godfather by Mario Puzo.”
