Crystal Palace's Mateta Discharged After 25 Stitches for Ear Injury

Synopsis

Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta has been released from the hospital after receiving 25 stitches for a severe ear injury caused by a kick from Millwall's goalkeeper. The Premier League club reported that he is recovering well and hopes to return to play soon.

Key Takeaways

Jean-Philippe Mateta discharged from hospital.
Received 25 stitches for ear injury.
Injured during FA Cup match against Millwall.
Palace aims for Mateta's return in April.
Head coach predicts he will miss Ipswich match.

London, March 2 (NationPress) Jean-Philippe Mateta, a forward for Crystal Palace, was discharged from the hospital after receiving 25 stitches for a severe cut to his ear, which resulted from a kick by Millwall’s goalkeeper during an FA Cup match on Saturday. The Premier League club confirmed that he is recovering well.

The top scorer for the Eagles, Mateta was taken off the field on a stretcher in the 15th minute following a high challenge from Millwall’s goalkeeper, Liam Roberts, who received a straight red card for serious foul play.

“We are pleased to announce that JP Mateta has been discharged from St George’s Hospital, where he received specialized care and 25 stitches for a significant laceration to his left ear. All scans returned clear and JP is feeling well,” stated the club.

As Mateta recuperates, his replacement, Eddie Nketiah, scored a remarkable header that helped Palace move on to the FA Cup quarterfinals. This marks Nketiah’s second consecutive match with a goal, having scored his first Premier League goal for Palace against Aston Villa on Tuesday.

Looking ahead, Mateta is aiming to return for upcoming Premier League matches in April, currently just four goals shy of matching his record of 16 goals set last season.

“Thank you all for the supportive messages. I’m feeling well and hope to return soon, even stronger. Great job today, everyone. Love you all. JP,” Mateta shared on social media.

However, Oliver Glasner, the head coach of Palace, anticipates that Mateta will miss the upcoming Premier League match against Ipswich Town next Saturday.

“I believe he will certainly miss the Ipswich game on March 8, but I’m hopeful he’ll be available for the FA Cup quarter-finals at the end of March, in about four weeks. We all wish him a speedy recovery,” Glasner added.