Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is expected to make his return from injury in time for the club’s meeting with Nottingham Forest next month.
The French forward has been sidelined since August after suffering a hamstring problem shortly before Palace’s heavy 4-1 defeat against Manchester City. Mateta’s last appearance came on the opening weekend of the Premier League season, when he played 63 minutes during the Eagles’ 2-0 loss to Everton.
His absence is also expected to cost him a place in Zinedine Zidane’s first France squad ahead of the upcoming international break.
Mateta’s future at Selhurst Park has remained a major talking point, with the 29-year-old entering the final year of his contract. He came close to leaving the club during the January transfer window, but a proposed move to AC Milan collapsed on Deadline Day after a medical raised concerns over a knee issue.
Despite opting against surgery, Mateta managed to recover and played a key role in Palace’s successful Conference League campaign, scoring the winning goal in the final as the Eagles lifted their first major European trophy in May.
His impressive form was later rewarded with a place in France’s World Cup squad, where Les Bleus progressed to the semi-finals in North America.
Palace had been willing to consider offers for Mateta during the summer, having already turned down a £25 million proposal from Aston Villa for their No.14. However, his hamstring setback ended any realistic chance of a transfer before the window closed.
Questions over his long-term future remain after Mateta challenged the validity of the final year of his Palace contract earlier this year. His attempt to cancel the agreement was rejected by both a Premier League tribunal and FIFA, meaning he remains tied to the club until next summer.
Unless a new deal is agreed, Mateta will be free to depart Selhurst Park when his contract expires.