Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been discharged from hospital with 25 stitches after suffering a severe head injury during Saturday’s FA Cup fifth round tie against Millwall.
The incident occurred just eight minutes into the match when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts caught Mateta’s head with his boot whilst racing out to clear the ball.
Roberts was initially allowed to continue but was sent off after a VAR review by referee Michael Oliver.
Mateta received lengthy treatment on the pitch, including oxygen, before being stretchered to an ambulance and transported to hospital.
Jean-Philippe Mateta suffered a horror injury against Millwall that forced him off on a stretcher
Reuters
Crystal Palace later confirmed the extent of Mateta’s injuries in an official statement.
The French striker received specialist treatment and required 25 stitches to a “severe laceration to his left ear” at St George’s Hospital.
The club confirmed that “all scans were clear” and that Mateta was “feeling well” following the incident.
Palace announced on Saturday evening that the 27-year-old had been discharged from hospital after receiving treatment.
Manager Oliver Glasner told reporters that Mateta’s “ear looks terrible” following the collision.
Mateta took to social media to reassure fans about his condition following the incident.
“Thank you all for your kind messages. I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever,” the striker posted on Instagram.
He also congratulated his teammates on their FA Cup victory, adding: “Well done guys for the great job today.”
The Frenchman has been in excellent form this season, scoring 15 goals for Palace including eight in his previous nine games.
Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish described Roberts’ challenge as “the most reckless challenge on a football pitch I think I’ve ever seen”.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta took to social media to give fans an update on his condition
Speaking to the BBC, Parish added: “He’s endangering a fellow professional, maybe his life, with a challenge like that.”
Manager Oliver Glasner was equally concerned about the severity of the incident.
“Just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP’s career,” said Glasner.
“I’m pretty sure he didn’t want to injure JP in this situation, but I also think that you have to decide when you make such an impact, you just can’t do it in this way.”
Crystal Palace confirmed that Mateta “will now rest and recuperate over the following days”.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta was stretchered off against Millwall and required oxygen
Reuters
The club added that his progress will be monitored by their doctor.
Mateta is expected to miss Palace’s next Premier League fixture against Ipswich Town next weekend.
The striker, who also netted five times as France won silver at the Paris Olympics last year, will be hoping for a swift recovery.
Palace thanked “the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism”.