Share this @internewscast.com

Crystal Palace star Jean-Philippe Mateta has revealed his plastic surgeon had to save his ear after refusing to show him a picture of his injury suffered following a horror tackle with Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts. 

The French striker, 27, faced a lengthy spell on the sideline after he was hospitalised straight from Selhurst Park and required 26 stitches earlier this month.

It is understood that Mateta could step on the football pitch again in the FA Cup clash against Fulham at Craven Cottage following the end of the international break – expectedly with a protective mask.

‘I was afraid I’d have broken bones or blood in my brain but in fact, my ear was just destroyed,’ said Mateta.

‘At the last moment, I had the reflex to turn my face. I was lucky because if I hadn’t, I would have taken his foot right in the head, and it would have been much worse.’

Jean-Philippe Mateta has revealed his ear was 'destroyed' following his horror injury against Milwall earlier this month

Jean-Philippe Mateta has revealed his ear was ‘destroyed’ following his horror injury against Milwall earlier this month 

The Frenchman was hospitalised and required 26 stitches after being kicked in the head by goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the FA Cup

The Frenchman was hospitalised and required 26 stitches after being kicked in the head by goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the FA Cup

Liam Roberts has been banned for six matches after his red card - and apologised to Mateta

Liam Roberts has been banned for six matches after his red card – and apologised to Mateta

Mateta’s injury against Millwall came when goalkeeper Roberts caught him with a high foot – resulting in a straight red card.

The incident occurred just five minutes after the starting whistle of the FA Cup clash between the South London rivals.

Roberts was handed a six-match band for the kick but later revealed he apologised to Mateta, denying there was any malice behind his tackle.

Quizzed whether he had forgiven him, the Frenchman said: ‘I told him, “Don’t worry, it’s not that serious”.

‘He could have avoided doing that, but these things happen.’

After his injury required 26 stitches, the Frenchman returned to the Eagles’ training sessions with a black headband with a plaster below the ear.

‘A plastic surgery specialist came and took pictures of my ear, which he refused to show me, so as not to let them stay in my head,’ he continued. ‘Obviously, it didn’t look like an ear any more. 

‘At the beginning of the operation, the surgeon had a lot of trouble, but afterwards, as he explained to me, he found a way to save my ear. He did a hell of a job.

Mateta has admitted the plastic surgeon 'did a hell of a job' in order to save his ear, which 'didn’t look like an ear any more'

Mateta has admitted the plastic surgeon ‘did a hell of a job’ in order to save his ear, which ‘didn’t look like an ear any more’

The Frenchman has returned to Crystal Palace training sessions and could make an appearance after the international break

The Frenchman has returned to Crystal Palace training sessions and could make an appearance after the international break

The 27-year-old appeared with black headband with a plaster below the ear and will wear a mask in his next game

The 27-year-old appeared with black headband with a plaster below the ear and will wear a mask in his next game

‘I have to be careful to prevent it from getting infected, I have to wash it every time I sweat.

The injury abruptly halted his outstanding form throughout this season, with 12 goals in the Premier League. 

Mateta is currently valued at £40million and was heavily linked with a move elsewhere throughout the entire winter transfer window.

It is expected that Manchester United and Arsenal are expected to compete for the player’s signature this summer.

‘Next week, I should be able to participate in training matches, but for that, I’ll need a mask while my ear finishes healing.

‘I’ve been sent several models, and I’ll have to choose between those that just cover the ear and others that cover the whole face.’

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Mohamed Salah Admits Liverpool Got Too Comfortable Under Jurgen Klopp – Discusses How He Compares to Arne Slot After Premier League Success

Mohamed Salah spoke candidly of his former manager Jurgen Klopp as he…

Ian Ladyman Highlights a Wolves Player in His Season’s Best Team—And It’s Not Matheus Cunha

On the latest episode of the Mail’s ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ podcast,…

Why Liverpool Couldn’t Secure a New Contract Extension for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Trent Alexander-Arnold is reported to have rejected a new contract offer from…

“Verify Your Facts: Kyle Walker Responds to Man City Fan’s Social Media Criticism”

Kyle Walker might be inactive on the football pitch, but he’s still…

“Bodo/Glimt’s Artificial Turf Poses Challenge for Postecoglou as Tottenham Prepares for Crucial Europa League Semi-Final in Norway, Matt Barlow Writes”

The green rectangle of plastic grass glistened with no hint of the…

Inside Man United: Answers to Your Transfer Inquiries on Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, and More – Plus Updates on the New Stadium and Ineos Takeover?

Mail Sport are answering your questions this week, having put out the…

Raphinha Shares Eye-Opening Comparison of Hansi Flick and Xavi

Raphinha harshly criticized the way Xavi Hernandez managed players during his tenure…

Neymar in Surprise Negotiations to Join MLS Team with Salary Comparable to Lionel Messi

Chicago Fire are reportedly looking to bring Neymar to MLS this year.…

Mohamed Salah Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Trent Alexander-Arnold Following His Liverpool Departure

Mohamed Salah was among many Liverpool stars who expressed their admiration for…

Pep Guardiola and Wife Cristina Serra Allegedly Remain Distant Despite Claims of Relationship Improvement After Man City Boss Visits Barcelona for Three Days

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his wife Cristina Serra ‘are still…

Inside Scoop: Ibrox Club Needs to Consider Offers for Midfield Star to Avoid Missing Another Big Payout

Rangers have been told they must listen to offers for Nicolas Raskin…