Jean-Philippe Mateta
CRY
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
Jun 28, 1997 (29)
Right
6'4"
194 lb
Returns to bench against Brighton
Mateta (hamstring) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton after recovering from a lengthy injury absence.
Analysis: Mateta returns to Crystal Palace's matchday squad for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since Aug. 22. The French striker recently made sufficient progress in his rehabilitation to receive clearance for Sunday's encounter, having missed Thursday's Europa League defeat against Lyon. Given his extended spell on the sidelines, Mateta is expected to have his minutes managed initially as he works toward regaining full match fitness. Jorgen Strand Larsen retains his place in the starting lineup, while Mateta provides an additional attacking option off the bench and could gradually challenge for more playing time.
Return remains uncertain
Mateta remains uncertain to return after the international break, with Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage saying he is less certain to return than Dean Henderson, per Christopher Reidy. "I think Dean will be more sure. Because Mateta is more uncertain, that's why we have to wait."
Analysis: Mateta has been sidelined since August after suffering a hamstring injury shortly before Palace's loss to Manchester City and has missed the club's subsequent matches. While a return after the international break remains possible, manager Pierre Sage indicated that Mateta's timeline is less clear and that he may need another two weeks before a more definitive update can be given. Mateta started the season as Palace's leading option up front, playing 63 minutes in the Premier League opener against Everton, and should compete to reclaim that role once available.
Fails to convert chance
Mateta registered two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Everton.
Analysis: Mateta registered two shots and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Everton, striking the post in the first half when a goal seemed certain after Eddie Nketiah's cutback found him in a gilt-edged position, summarizing Crystal Palace's collective wastefulness in a match they dominated without reward. The French striker is the focal point of Palace's attack and his penalty-box instincts and aerial presence make him one of the most dangerous centre-forwards in the Premier League when in form, but converting opportunities of the quality he wasted against Everton will be essential if Palace are to challenge in the top half of the table this season.
Set to travel for season opener
Mateta is expected to be part of the squad for Saturday's match against Everton, according to coach Pierre Sage. "I think he'll be part of the trip Saturday. He didn't play the last match in Germany because he only arrived at the start of the week. It wasn't a match where we needed to take risks. But we can now give him more playing time."
Analysis: Mateta's late return to preseason meant caution was the priority for that friendly, but with him now fully back in the fold, manager Pierre Sage is ready to lean on him more heavily. That mirrors the trajectory he was on last season, when he finished with 12 goals across 31 Premier League appearances and played a key role in Palace's Conference League and FA Cup triumphs, including converting his penalty in the Community Shield shootout win over Liverpool. Mateta is expected to remain the club's undisputed starter up top.
Brings physical quality up front
Mateta has been named in France's World Cup squad and provides manager Didier Deschamps with a powerful and direct alternative to the more technical attacking options available in the French squad.
Analysis: Mateta will first turn his attention to Wednesday's Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano before linking up with France for the World Cup, closing out a strong campaign with Crystal Palace where he delivered a string of eye-catching performances, using his physical presence, aerial dominance, and sharp finishing to cement himself as a dependable, dangerous number nine at the highest level of English football. The powerful center forward gives manager Didier Deschamps a different attacking look compared to Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, bringing a direct, physical edge that can shift the momentum of games whether coming off the bench or starting depending on the matchup. He enters the World Cup as a squad piece with real knockout-stage value, where his ability to hold up play, win duels in the air, and finish with force could be a major weapon for France down the stretch. Before the Conference League final, Mateta has chipped in with 15 goals and three assists across 49 appearances in all competitions.
Scores late header in season finale
Mateta scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 defeat versus Arsenal.
Analysis: Mateta came off the bench and powered home Palace's late consolation in the 89th minute, climbing highest to meet Yeremy Pino's delivery and burying a strong header past Kepa Arrizabalaga to spoil Arsenal's clean sheet. He wraps up the Premier League season as Crystal Palace's leading scorer with 12 goals in 32 appearances (25 starts), a strong return from a striker now shifting full focus to the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27 in Basel before linking up with France for the 2026 World Cup.
Bags equalizer Sunday
Mateta scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Everton.
Analysis: Mateta replaced Jorgen Strand Larsen in the 65th minute Sunday and still made the biggest play of the match with his equalizing goal in the 77th minute. It marked his 11th goal of the campaign, though just four have come since the start of 2026. He finished the match with two shots in his 25 minutes off the bench.
Nets brace
Mateta scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Mateta scored a brilliant brace during Sunday's clash, making the most of his two shots during the match. He also created one chance during the match, a sold all-around showing from the striker. His two goals proved crucial as Crystal Palace took the match by a single goal.
Scores brace off bench
Mateta was expected to be rested for Sunday's clash against Newcastle but ultimately came off the bench for 25 minutes and scored twice to seal the win for Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Mateta had been managed carefully by coach Oliver Glasner since his return from injury, but his impact off the bench against Newcastle sends a powerful message about his readiness to take on a bigger role. Scoring a brace in 25 minutes of action is exactly the kind of momentum he needed heading into the final stretch of the season, with the World Cup very much on his mind. The April 20 clash against West Ham now looks like a realistic opportunity for him to push for more minutes after this eye-catching outing.
Will be rested against Newcastle
Mateta will be rested for Sunday's clash against Newcastle, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per Sam Tabuteau of Standard Sport.
Analysis: Mateta made a goal-scoring return to fitness in Thursday's 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League, but coach Glasner is taking a measured approach to his reintegration after a lengthy absence. The Frenchman is still building his way back to full match sharpness and the April 20 clash against West Ham is shaping up as a more realistic target for him to build more minutes. With the World Cup on the horizon, getting Mateta fully fit and firing before the end of the season remains the priority for both club and player. Jorgen Strand Larsen will be the one starting as the striker against the Magpies.
Still building minutes
Mateta is still regaining fitness and will likely be limited for a few more games, according to manager Oliver Galsner. "It was the plan now to get him back, and also have him available and give him a few minutes to get him back in. Then, we have three weeks. Then, we'll use the three weeks to get him into a better shape and into a better rhythm. And then having JP in a better shape than he is now and helping us maybe for 30 minutes or 45 or even for 60 minutes."
Analysis: Mateta returned to the field Thursday in Conference League action, earning some time off the bench. That said, he is not set to build up minutes in the next few games as he works on his fitness, needing some time after the decent absence. The hope for the future is still to push for the French World Cup team, needing a solid end to the season after his injury for that to come to fruition.
Features off bench in draw
Mateta featured off bench in Thursday's 0-0 draw against AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League, confirming he is back fit for Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Mateta returned to action after the knee injury that had kept him sidelined since late January, coming off the bench in Thursday's draw against AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League. It's a welcome boost for the Eagles after he delivered solid performances prior to his setback with eight goals across 23 Premier League appearances. That said, his minutes could take a hit going forward following the club's winter-window addition of Jorgen Strand Larsen.
Available going forward
Mateta (knee) will be available for Thursday's Conference League first leg against AEK Larnaca, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "Jean-Philippe Mateta is back and will be in the squad for tomorrow night. No [he is not ready for 90 minutes] - he didn't train for five or six weeks on the pitch, and he's now back for three days, so no chance [of 90 minutes]. But it's good to have him back. He showed in training he's always able to create chances, score goals, and that's why it's good to have him back."
Analysis: Mateta will be available for Thursday's Conference League first leg against AEK Larnaca after missing the last six matches with a knee injury. The forward had been a starter before the setback, though the club is expected to manage his return carefully. He could gradually see more minutes and will compete with Jorgen Strand Larsen for the role up front.
Set to train next week
Mateta (knee) will return to partial training Monday and could begin on the bench in next week's Europa League clash against Larnaca, according to coach Oliver Glasner. "We're planning for him Mateta to be partly integrated next Monday in the team training for the Larnaca game. It will be the same, starting from the bench. He was out for a long time, but his knee looks better now. That's why we have decided to reintegrate him. We have to be careful, but the goal is that he is available for the Larnaca and Leeds games."
Analysis: Mateta will return to partial team training Monday after missing the last five Premier League matches due to a knee injury and could start on the bench in the Europa League clash against Larnaca. The forward had been a regular starter prior to the setback and may face competition for minutes for a while as he regains full match fitness from Jorgen Strand Larsen, who arrived during the winter transfer window.
Still out 2-3 weeks
Mateta (knee) remains unavailable after coach Oliver Glasner gave an update on his situation in Wednesday's press conference. "We hope to have back in the next two or three weeks."
Analysis: Mateta avoided surgery after sustaining a serious knee injury in January, and he's currently expected to return during the current season, though he'll miss at least the upcoming fixtures versus Wolverhampton and Manchester United. The striker remains his team's scoring leader with eight goals in the 2025/26 EPL season, and losing him has limited their attacking potential. However, winter signing Jorgen Strand Larsen is in decent form and should be the main beneficiary of playing time while Mateta is inactive.
Avoids surgery, few more weeks out
Mateta (knee) has avoided surgery and will look to return within the next two to four weeks, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "Fortunately, he doesn't need surgery [on his knee]. The injury is not as bad as feared, and so we think - and the opinion from several specialists and doctors - is that we can deal with the knee in a better way than with surgery. He will miss a certain time - I can't say two weeks, three weeks or four weeks - but he doesn't need surgery, that's very positive, so hopefully he's back soon. Of course, it's a disappointment, but now he's looking forward to the next months, and it's good for him that a final decision has been taken."
Analysis: Matteta has finally ended his saga, battling with a knee injury following a failed transfer, as the forward will not need surgery on his knee. Instead, he will take the next two to four weeks off to recover and focus on rehab at the Palace training grounds. This will leave him with a return near the end of February, but it will be a massive return for the club, with the forward notching eight goals in 23 appearances this season. Jorgen Strand Larsen appears to be set to continue seeing the start until Mateta returns.
Won't play in coming week
Mateta (knee) will not play the next week as the club makes a final decision on how to manage his knee, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "He won't play on Sunday at Brighton, and he won't play against Burnley. We want now a final decision how to manage his knee, what we have to do, what we should do. As everybody can imagine, it's a tricky situation for everyone - for him, for everyone at the club - but at the end, if the decision will be taken that we manage his knee until the end of the season, he will be back in the squad. If he doesn't undergo surgery and the knee is okay, he will start training with us and he will get integrated, and then he has to fight for his position like everyone else, but this is what he knows and he's fine with it."
Analysis: Mateta's long saga continues as a knee injury for the forward remains a major concern for the club. He will now miss the next week of action as he continues to weigh his options, potentially playing through the injury to make the World Cup or instead receive surgery to put the injury behind him. He will miss out against Brighton and Burnley as he waits his assessment, with a decision to be made ahead of the Feb. 22 match against Wolves.
Surgery decision to come soon
Mateta (knee) is set to decide on knee surgery soon, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Analysis: Mateta is a major talking point at the moment after a failed transfer to AC Milan, with a knee injury discovered during the medical. He will now have to make a quick decision on whether he will receive the surgery or wait until the end of the season, as this would put an end to his World Cup hopes. This is a critical situation for both club and player, likely to force major alterations if he decides to go through with the surgery.
Knee injury leads to failed transfer
Mateta failed a medical with AC Milan due to a knee injury and could potentially receive surgery, according to Sacha Tavolieri.
Analysis: Mateta has been surrounded by transfer rumors and after finally traveling to Italy for a medical, it fell through due to a knee injury. This brings up more worries for the forward as an apparent surgery could be on the horizon to heal from the injury, although that would keep him out of World Cup campaign with France. That said, his current status remains up in the air, as the player is unlikely to bow out of the World Cup and club's are still interested in a loan for him. More about his situation should be available in the next few days, with the club set to take the field again on Sunday and transfer deadline day coming to an end Monday night.
Won't play Sunday
Mateta is not going to be in the squad to face Nottingham Forest, according to manager Oliver Glasner. "We will talk about things we can confirm. I can confirm JP will not be in the matchday squad, but it is nothing to do right now with the transfers. He is not in the place. To play makes no sense. We have to protect the team and I have to protect him. That is why he will not travel with us to Nottingham."
Analysis: Mateta will not be in the squad Sunday as the forward has faced transfer rumors of the past month, with the player possibly on his way out to end the window. This is a major loss for the squad, as he has yet to miss a start all season, recording eight goals in 23 appearances. This will then leave the forward role open for the first time all season, with Brennan Johnson a possible option to take over the spot for the time being.
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