Oliver Glasner confirms Jean-Philippe Mateta avoids knee surgery as Crystal Palace receive positive injury news ahead of Burnley clash
Crystal Palace return to Selhurst Park on Wednesday night aiming to build momentum after edging past Brighton at the weekend, but attention has quickly shifted to team news, particularly the situation surrounding Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The Eagles’ narrow win on the south coast lifted spirits and eased pressure, yet Palace remain eager to string results together as they prepare to host Burnley.
Oliver Glasner addressed the media on Tuesday, offering reassurance over squad availability while providing a detailed update on Mateta’s ongoing absence.
Encouragingly for Palace, Glasner confirmed there are no new fitness issues following Sunday’s derby success, with the group that travelled to Brighton largely unchanged.
There was also positive news regarding Justin Devenny, who has been sidelined since the home fixture against Chelsea and is now ready to rejoin the matchday squad.
However, much of the focus centred on Mateta, who has not featured since that same Chelsea game and has been managing a knee problem that initially raised serious concern.
Glasner explains Mateta’s recovery plan
Glasner revealed that surgery has been ruled out, a significant relief for both player and club.
“Fortunately he doesn’t need surgery [on his knee],” Glasner said. “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.”
While Mateta is set to miss a period of action, Glasner stressed that the timeline remains fluid rather than fixed.
“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,” he added.
The Palace boss acknowledged the frustration of the situation but highlighted that clarity over the next steps has helped Mateta mentally.
“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,” Glasner explained.
Mateta will continue his rehabilitation at the club’s training ground, with Glasner praising the striker’s determination to return quickly.
“He wants to be back as soon as possible and contribute to achieve our goals. That’s his mindset,” he said.