- Jean-Philippe Mateta required 26 stitches after suffering the injury in the FA Cup
- The Frenchman has been in a rich vein of form for Crystal Palace this season
- LISTEN NOW: It’s All Kicking Off! With the Premier League likely securing five Champions League spots, are we rewarding mediocrity?
Jean-Philippe Mateta has returned to first-team training for the first time since being on the end of a horror tackle that left him hospitalised and requiring 26 stitches.
The Frenchman faced a spell on the sidelines after sustaining the injury against Millwall in an FA Cup tie against Crystal Palace at the start of the month.
The Eagles secured a 1-0 win over Ipswich without their star striker in the Premier League on Saturday, with former Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah starting in his place. However, it appears that Oliver Glasner will not be without the 27-year-old for much longer after the club provided a positive update on his progress.
Palace’s X account posted an image of the striker taking part in training on Tuesday with the caption: ‘Welcome back, JP.’
On Monday, an account on the platform posted an image of Mateta in team apparel sporting a black headband with a plaster below the ear that required stitches.
Earlier, Glasner said that he expected the forward to return for Palace’s FA Cup quarter-final with Fulham on March 29.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has returned to first-team training for the first time since he was on the end of a horror tackle in the FA Cup
The Frenchman was hospitalised and required 26 stitches after being kicked in the head by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts
Mateta has been in fine form for the Eagles this season and has attracted interest from Manchester United
His injury against Millwall came when goalkeeper Liam Roberts caught him with a high foot and was subsequently sent off.
Only five minutes had been played in the FA Cup clash between the south London rivals when Roberts was red carded for his challenge into Mateta.
Posting on Instagram after the injury, Mateta 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.’
The injury brought an abrupt halt to Mateta’s outstanding form for the Eagles this term. The striker has netted 12 goals in the Premier League and has even been linked with a summer move to Manchester United.
Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney urged a top Premier League club to hijack United’s reported move.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rooney said Mateta ‘is a big, strong lad who scores a lot of goals’.
‘From watching Arsenal over the past few games in the Premier League,’ he said. ‘They have put a lot of balls into the box without having anyone to get on the end of them.
‘I am sure he would help from that point of view.’
