JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA is training alone in the Spanish sunshine after his horrific head injury.
The French forward flew to Marbella earlier this week with the rest of the Crystal Palace squad for a warm-weather camp.
REUTERSJean-Phillipe Mateta was karate kicked in the face by Liam Roberts in Palace’s FA Cup clash with Millwall[/caption]
REXThe Frenchman was rushed to hospital and required 26 stitches for a severe laceration[/caption]
INSTAGRAM@CPFCMateta is back in training but is working out away from his team-mates[/caption]
But Mateta, 27, is not working with his team-mates as he recovers from the karate-kick challenge by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts that shocked football 11 days ago. Roberts was sent off.
Mateta was taken to hospital with a severe laceration to his left ear, which needed 25 stitches.
The striker was pictured in a holiday resort in Marbella wearing a plaster on his left earlobe and a black headband.
Because of the nature of the injury, the club’s top scorer will not risk full training during the short break, let alone be involved in tomorrow’s friendly game.
Palace are due to take on Norwegian top-flight side Hamarkameratene before flying home on Friday.
Oliver Glasner’s team do not have a Premier League match this weekend because scheduled opponents Newcastle face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
Boss Glasner is hopeful Mateta will be fit and ready to play in the FA Cup quarter-final at London neighbours Fulham on March 29.
He said: “Fortunately, he had no fractures and no concussion.
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GETTYJean-Philippe Mattea has been Crystal Palace’s star man this season[/caption]
“It’s a huge wound that was stitched. But the healing is going like we expected and hoped.
“If everything goes how we expect 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.”
Mateta, who has scored 15 goals in all competitions this season, took to social media to allay fears over his health hours after being booted in the face by Roberts — who also received a six-game ban.
After the 3-1 victory over the Lions, 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.”
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