star Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to return to action today, just a matter of weeks after he was on the receiving end of a horror challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the Eagles' FA Cup fifth-round victory on March 1.
Whilst racing onto a ball over the top, the striker was karate kicked in the side of the head by the onrushing Roberts and left the pitch on a stretcher. He then required 25 stitches to repair a cut near his ear.
The Millwall shot-stopper was sent off following a VAR review, with the Football Association (FA) later extending the ban to a six-game suspension.
Mateta has since been working back to fitness, and the 27-year-old has announced on Instagram that he will return to action this weekend when Palace take on in the next round of the FA Cup.
Speaking to previously, the striker revealed that he would need to wear a special mask to protect his ear and the stitches. He said: "I need to wear a mask, I need to wear something. I will take the best one that is most comfortable."
Following the incident, Mateta revealed that he had urged club doctors to continue playing at The Den as he was unaware of the severity of his injury. He explained: "When he kicked me, I was on the floor waiting for him to get the red card. I was good to go. I thought, 'just get the blood off and keep going'.
"I was arguing with the doctor for 30 seconds, saying I wanted to play. The doctor saw the injury, but I couldn't see it. I couldn't feel pain. The blood, for sure. But I thought it was a little cut. My ear was like this [dangling]. But it was not painful."
Mateta has been enjoying another sensational season at Selhurst Park, scoring 15 goals and registering three assists in 33 appearances. The forward has been linked with several clubs elsewhere in the Premier League as a result, with and among those credited with holding an interest in the former Mainz 05 star.
With his contract with Palace set to expire in 2027, after they reportedly activated a one-year option late last year, it remains to be seen whether Mateta becomes a top target at clubs over the coming months.
