Jean-Philippe Mateta, a Crystal Palace striker, is considering knee surgery after his proposed move to AC Milan fell through on Deadline Day due to medical concerns.
The £26 million trade fell through after testing revealed an existing knee condition, despite Milan being aware of the situation before formal talks began.
Palace had already forwarded Mateta’s medical paperwork to Italy, and Milan had also flown a club doctor to London for additional checks before withdrawing. There appears to be no ill blood between the two clubs.
Juventus, who had been tracking the France international for some time, also considered a late approach when Milan withdrew.
However, after similar worries were raised about the striker’s knee, the Serie A heavyweights decided not to make a formal offer.
Mateta has been coping with the problem since November and has persisted to play through the pain, with Palace managing the situation on a match-by-match basis. The problem has progressed to the point where a long-term solution is being considered.
The 28-year-old is scheduled to see a knee specialist to decide whether surgery is necessary. Mateta hopes to force his way into France’s World Cup squad this summer, so timing is important.
The options include continuing to play while managing the pain or having surgery in the coming weeks, which may keep him out for several months.The palace and medical personnel will be involved in determining the best course of action.
Regardless of whether surgery is performed, Mateta, who has 18 months left on his contract, is set to leave Selhurst Park during the summer transfer window.
According to Sky Sports News, Mateta is “devastated, disappointed, and upset” by the breakdown of his winter move.
He unfollowed Palace on Instagram over the weekend and posted a fed-up emoji, prompting concerns about his mental state. It is unclear whether he will play for Oliver Glasner’s team against Brighton on Sunday.
If Mateta is unavailable, Palace could give debut to club-record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen, who joined from Wolves for £48 million on deadline day.
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