Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta aims to return to the action for next week’s FA Cup against Fulham-if it will need to wear a protective mask.
Mateta suffered a serious injury earlier this month in the fifth round match against Millwall after a reckless challenge by goalkeeper Liam Roberts.
The treatment resulted in kicking the match on the head, demanding immediate medical care and hospital trip.
Speaking in an interview with L’Equipe, Mateta shared that the primary damage was in his ear, describing it as “just destroyed”.
He admitted that the result could have been significantly worse.
“I was afraid I would have broken bones or blood in my brain, but in fact, my ear was just destroyed,” Mateta said.
“At the last minute. I had the reflex of turning my face.
Jean-Philippe Mateta revealed that his plastic surgeon had to save his ear after a horror from goalkeeper Millwall Liam Roberts 😲🏥 pic.twitter.com/tjenzbyuql
– Mail Sport (@mailsport) March 18 2025
“After that, I never lost consciousness. But, seeing my ear, he replied, ‘No, you have to go.’
“An expert in plastic surgery came and took photos of my ear, which he refused to show me so as not to let them stay in my mind.
“Obviously, he no longer looked like an ear.
After surgery, Mateta was released from the hospital. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace secured a 3-1 victory over Millwall and Roberts received a suspension of six games for its reckless challenge.
Looking forward, Palace will meet Fulham in the FA Cup quarter -finals later this month and Mateta is willing to be available for choice.
“I have to be careful to avoid infected. I have to wash it every time I sweat,” Mateta added.
“Next week, I have to take part in training races, but that’s why I will need a mask while my ear ends the treatment.
“I have sent a lot of models and I have to choose between those who only cover the ear and others that cover the whole face.”
