Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to return to action on Saturday for the first time since suffering a severe injury earlier this month. The Crystal Palace striker endured a horrific incident during his club’s FA Cup fifth-round tie against Millwall when he was struck by a high challenge from goalkeeper Liam Roberts. The injury required oxygen treatment on the pitch and resulted in 26 stitches to his ear.
Despite the severity of the injury, Mateta has remarkably missed just one match a 1-0 Premier League home victory against Ipswich. He has since completed 60 minutes in a friendly, and his coach, Oliver Glasner, is confident that the forward is ready to regain his goal-scoring form.
To ensure his safety upon returning to competitive play, Mateta will wear a specially designed protective headgear in the FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham. The headgear has been described as resembling a water polo helmet but customized to cover only one ear. The design was a result of multiple trials, as Mateta initially attempted to wear a motorcycle helmet but found it too heavy for training. The final version provides adequate protection while allowing him to move freely on the pitch.
Glasner noted that Mateta has been training with the protective gear for two weeks and has adjusted well to it. He also emphasized that an internal game during the international break helped Mateta gain match fitness, allowing him to play 60 minutes without any issues. The striker now appears both physically and mentally ready to return to action.
Since joining Crystal Palace initially on loan during the 2021-22 season, Mateta has made a significant impact, scoring 36 goals in 120 appearances. His presence in the squad has been crucial, and his return is expected to boost Palace’s attacking options.
While the headgear may look unconventional, Glasner reassured that it does not hinder Mateta’s ability to score with his head. The coach expressed confidence in the striker’s adaptation, stating that if he manages to score a header in the upcoming match, it will validate the effectiveness of the protective gear.
Mateta follows in the footsteps of former Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, who famously wore a protective head covering after suffering a fractured skull in a 2006 collision. However, unlike Cech’s helmet, Mateta’s version includes full ear protection to prevent further complications from his recent injury.
With his return set for the crucial FA Cup quarter-final, Mateta will be looking to make an immediate impact and help his team progress further in the competition. His resilience and determination to return swiftly from such a traumatic injury highlight his importance to the squad and his commitment to the game.
