Source:REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
[Saba Sports News] According to French media reports, Jean-Philippe Mateta is considering playing with an injury instead of undergoing surgery in order to participate in the World Cup. The French international has been troubled by a knee injury for two and a half months, which prevented him from passing a medical examination, ultimately causing his transfer to AC Milan to fall through. AC Milan had initially planned to sign him for €35 million during the winter transfer window.
Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner revealed that Mateta has been playing with a swollen knee and that the club has been managing him conservatively. Mateta himself had anticipated potential issues during the medical examination. He has consulted three medical experts but has not received a unanimous diagnosis, and he plans to consult a fourth expert on Monday.
Currently, there are two options: one is to continue with conservative treatment until after the World Cup, which Mateta prefers because he is eager to compete this summer; the other option is to undergo surgery, which could sideline him for 2-3 months or even 6-9 months. Crystal Palace and Mateta will decide on the final plan next week. Additionally, Crystal Palace signed Wolves striker Jörgen Strand Larsen on the last day of the winter transfer window, adding further competition for Mateta within the team.