JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA has been seen for the first time since suffering his horrific head injury.
The Frenchman was on the receiving end of a karate kick of a challenge from Liam Roberts in Crystal Palace‘s FA Cup fifth-round clash with Millwall.
REUTERSJean-Philippe Mateta was poleaxed by Liam Roberts in Palace’s FA Cup clash with Millwall[/caption]
REXThe striker received 26 stitches after being rushed to the hospital[/caption]
XThe striker has been spotted with a plaster on his left ear[/caption]
Mateta was promptly taken to the hospital, where he received 26 stitches to close a severe laceration to his left ear.
The 27-year-old has kept a low profile since the injury, although he was recently papped at Crystal Palace’s Beckenham training ground.
In a photo widely shared on social media, the striker was seen donning a black headband and a plaster on his left earlobe.
Mateta being snapped at Palace’s training ground suggests he could be on the verge of returning to action.
Eagles boss Oliver Glasner said of the forward prior to last weekend’s 1-0 win over Ipswich: “He won’t play, but he’s doing well.
“He’s at home. Fortunately, he had no fractures and no concussion.
“It’s a huge wound which was stitched. But [the] healing is going like we expected and hoped.
“He will go with us next week to Marbella, training individually.
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AFPJean-Philippe Mateta has been Crystal Palace’s star performer this season[/caption]
“And if everything goes how we expected and wish, he should be available for the Fulham game.
“Everybody is in touch with JP and messaging him. Everybody knows he’s doing well. He’ll be back soon.
“His mother came from France. So, he’s in the best hands! Great support at home.”
Mateta, who has 15 goals in all competitions to his name this season, took to social media to allay fears over his health hours after being booted in the face by Roberts – who received a six-game ban for his horror challenge.
He wrote on Instagram: “I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon.
“And stronger than ever. Well done, guys, for the great job today. I love you.”
Palace will be back in competitive action a week on Saturday, taking on Fulham in the quarter-final of the FA Cup.
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