Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta will “rest and recuperate” over the next few days after he required 25 stitches to an ear injury in Saturday’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Millwall.
The Frenchman was taken off on a stretcher in the 15th minute and went straight to hospital after being caught by a high challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts, who was sent off for the foul.
A statement on Palace’s official website said: “We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening [Saturday] been discharged from St George’s Hospital where he received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear and JP is feeling well.
“He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor.
“Thank you to the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism, and for all the wishes of support that JP and the club have received today.”
Mateta's update
A message from JP 🥹
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) March 1, 2025
We love you. #CPFC pic.twitter.com/nyooljhftw
Speaking immediately after Saturday’s match, Palace head coach Oliver Glasner said that he expected top-scorer Mateta to miss next Saturday's Premier League match at home to Ipswich Town.
"I think he will definitely miss the Ipswich game, but I still hope that he's available for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the end of March, so four weeks' time,” said Glasner.
“Of course, we all wish him the best.”
Mateta’s replacement Eddie Nketiah scored a brilliant cushioned header late on as Palace advanced to the FA Cup quarter-finals.
That now makes it back-to-back matches that summer signing Nketiah has scored in, with his first Premier League goal for the Eagles coming against Aston Villa on Tuesday night.
Mateta will hope to return for Palace's following Premier League fixtures in April, with the striker only four off equalling his record tally of 16 goals set last season.
