Jean-Philippe Mateta’s Uncertainty Ahead of Nottingham Forest Match

Jean-Philippe Mateta, the striker for Crystal Palace, is currently “not in the right place” to compete against Nottingham Forest, as commented by manager Oliver Glasner. This statement comes amid heightened speculation regarding Mateta’s potential transfer away from the club.

AC Milan has intensified its pursuit of the French international, having shown interest since January. However, Crystal Palace has set a valuation of £40 million for Mateta, having previously rejected a £35 million offer from Nottingham Forest.

During a press conference on Friday, Glasner confirmed that Mateta will not be included in the squad for the match against Nottingham Forest scheduled for Sunday at 14:00. “This decision is not related to transfer activities; he is simply not in the right frame of mind to play,” Glasner stated. “It would be counterproductive to put him on the field at this time. We must prioritize both the team’s needs and Mateta’s well-being.”

At 28 years old, Mateta is currently Crystal Palace’s leading scorer with eight goals in the Premier League, although he expressed a desire to leave the club earlier in January. “There is a lot of speculation and noise surrounding him right now,” Glasner remarked. “We require all our players to be performing at their best, and JP [Mateta] is not able to do so under the current circumstances. If personal issues are affecting his focus on the game, it is unwise to select him for play.”

Crystal Palace is presently positioned 15th in the Premier League standings and has already parted ways with captain Marc Guehi, who transferred to Manchester City during the winter transfer window. The club has yet to secure a replacement for Guehi, but Glasner, who announced earlier this month that he will depart at the end of the season, expressed confidence in the club’s efforts to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline on Monday.

“The club is working tirelessly to address these changes,” Glasner mentioned. “After Marc’s departure two weeks ago, finding suitable replacements has proven challenging. Each team aspires for a successful season, making it difficult to acquire new players at this late juncture in January. I am optimistic about the club’s commitment to bringing in reinforcements to fill Marc’s void and to prepare for any developments regarding JP [Mateta].”

Glasner indicated that the club is assessing various scenarios, including the potential outcomes of Mateta’s situation. “It’s possible that Mateta remains a Palace player beyond February 2, or he could be transferred, necessitating the acquisition of a new striker,” he explained. “These two possibilities are actively under discussion at the moment.”

Crystal Palace was initially prepared to extend a £50 million offer for Norway striker Jorgen Strand Larsen; however, this deal appears uncertain following the club’s decision to reconsider their approach. Wolves manager Rob Edwards confirmed on Friday that the 25-year-old Larsen is ready to play against Bournemouth on Saturday.