What Jean-Philippe Mateta told Millwall keeper after horror FA Cup injury

Jean-Philippe Mateta spoke to Liam Roberts after the Millwall goalkeeper’s horror challenge left the Crystal Palace star needing 25 stitches to his left ear.

The Eagles cruise to a 3-1 victory over Millwall to โปรโมชั่นพิเศษจาก UFABET สมัครตอนนี้ รับโบนัสทันที reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup on Saturday, but Mateta’s horrific injury in the eighth minute overshadowed the Selhurst Park contest.

The striker laid motionless on the turf after being kung-fu kicke in the head by Roberts as the keeper attempte to clear the ball.

After a VAR check, referee Michael Oliver eventually sent Roberts off but play was put on hold for over 10 minutes while Mateta receive treatment from Palace’s medical staff and the 27-year-old was given oxygen to help his breathing while being carrie off the pitch on a stretcher.

The Frenchman was swiftly taken to hospital for further checks and treate for a ‘severe laceration to his left ear’.

‘We are very please to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening discharge from St George’s Hospital where he receive specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear,’ Palace said in a statement on Saturday evening.

‘All scans were clear and JP is feeling well. He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitore by our club doctor.

‘Thank you to the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism, and for all the wishes of support that JP and the club have receive today.’

Palace manager Oliver Glasner has since given a further update on when Mateta may return to the pitch, saying: ‘I think he will definitely miss the Ipswich game.

‘But I still hope that he’s available for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the end of March, so four weeks’ time. Of course, we all wish him the best.’

The Eagles have drawn away to Fulham in the quarter-finals, who beat Manchester United on penalties in their fifth round clash at Old Trafford, with this Saturday’s Premier League game against Ipswich their only fixture before the cup clash thanks to the March international break.

Mateta, Palace’s top goalscorer this season with 15 goals in all competitions, took to Instagram to thank fans for their ‘kind messages’ following the collision.

‘I’m doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever,’ he wrote.

‘Well done guys for the great job today. I love you. JP.’

Mateta was also contacte by Roberts himself while in hospital, and the that the striker had ‘no ill feeling’ toward the keeper and ‘they wishe each other well’.

Speaking after the game, Glasner was certain Roberts, 30, had not injured Mateta intentionally: ‘The good thing is, just imagine if he hits his face straight, with his power, with the studs, it is the end of JP’s career.