Oliver Glasner has confirmed Jean-Philippe Mateta is in contention to make his Crystal Palace return in Saturday's FA Cup quarter-final at Fulham.
The French forward hasn't played competitively since he was taken to hospital after being caught by a high challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts during the FA Cup fifth-round tie on 1 March.
Mateta required 25 stitches to an ear injury and has been wearing head protection in training, but he is ready to play.
Speaking in his press conference ahead of the lunchtime match, Glasner said: "He has trained now for two weeks with us - of course, always with his protection. It's also important for him to train a little bit.
"We had an internal game during the international break where he could play for 60 minutes without any problems. He's ready."
Mateta has vowed to return "stronger than ever" and could yet enjoy his most prolific Premier League season, given he is just four goals away from equalling his best tally of 16 goals set last campaign.
He missed just one match during his four-week recovery, a 1-0 win over Ipswich Town on 8 March.
Team-mate Ben Chilwell has described the 27-year-old as the "glue of the dressing room" and shared his excitement about Mateta's imminent return.
The defender told the club's official website: "Before I came to Palace I watched him on TV. We know how good of a footballer he is, and how prolific he is in front of goal.
"On the other side of it, which I've been impressed by, is how he is around the building. He's the glue of the place, really. He's the loudest one in the changing room, the loudest one around here. You need a few of those.
"You need those characters around the place who are always cracking jokes, making people laugh. They're the most important figures in the changing room. You definitely notice when he's not here.
"He's having a brilliant season, he's had a brilliant few seasons. Hopefully, having him back this weekend will be a massive boost, and hopefully he can help us out."
Palace are next in Premier League action on Wednesday 2 April when they visit Southampton.
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