Jean-Philippe Mateta starts for Crystal Palace against Fulham in today’s FA Cup quarter-final clash.
The French striker makes his return following almost a month out, after he received 25 stitches in his ear following the dangerous high tackle by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts - who was hit with a six-match ban - in the previous round. Mateta will wear a protective mask at Craven Cottage.
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Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, Palace manager Oliver Glasner said of Mateta: “He has trained now for two weeks with us. Of course, always with his protection and it's also important for him to train a little bit.
“We had an internal game during the international break where he could play for 60 minutes without any problems. He's ready.
“The doctor did a great job finding the right protection. They tried two or three masks. It’s approved by the Premier League and the FA.”
Elsewhere, Palace came through the international break unscathed. There is however no Will Hughes, who has come down with sickness.
Glasner has tended to pick a strong XI in the FA Cup this season, whereas other Premier League managers have rested more players.
Chadi Riad and Cheick Doucoure are both out for the season, with Joel Ward also sidelined.
Crystal Palace XI: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Munoz, Wharton, Lerma, Mitchell, Sarr, Eze, Mateta
Substitutes: Turner, Clyne, Chilwell, Kporha, Kamada, Devenny, Esse, Nketiah, Franca
Injured: Riad, Doucoure, Ward
Ill: Hughes
Time and date: 12:15pm GMT on Saturday March 29, 2025
Venue: Craven Cottage, London
TV channel and live stream: ITV1 and ITVX
