Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is considering knee surgery after his proposed move to AC Milan collapsed on Deadline Day due to concerns raised during his medical.
The £26m transfer broke down after tests highlighted an existing knee issue, despite Milan being aware of the problem before formal talks progressed.
Palace had sent Mateta’s medical records to Italy in advance, while Milan also flew a club doctor to London for further checks before pulling out. There is understood to be no bad blood between the two clubs.
Transfer interest ends over medical concerns
Juventus, who have tracked the France international for some time, also explored a late move after Milan withdrew.
However, the Serie A giants opted against making a formal offer after similar concerns emerged regarding the striker’s knee.
Mateta has been dealing with the issue since November and has continued playing through pain, with Palace managing the condition on a match-by-match basis.
The problem has now reached a point where a longer-term solution is being considered.
Surgery decision linked to World Cup ambition
The 28-year-old is set to consult a knee specialist to determine whether surgery is required. Timing will be crucial, with Mateta hopeful of forcing his way into France’s World Cup squad this summer.
Options include continuing to play while managing the pain or undergoing surgery in the coming weeks, which could rule him out for several months. Palace and medical staff will be involved in deciding the best course of action.
Regardless of whether surgery goes ahead, Mateta, who has 18 months left on his contract, is expected to leave Selhurst Park in the summer transfer window.
Palace future unclear ahead of Brighton clash
Sky Sports News reports Mateta is “devastated, disappointed and upset” by the collapse of his winter move.
He unfollowed Palace on Instagram over the weekend and posted a fed-up emoji, raising questions about his state of mind.
It remains to be seen whether he will feature for Oliver Glasner’s side against Brighton on Sunday. If Mateta is unavailable, Palace could hand a debut to club-record signing Jørgen Strand Larsen following his £48m Deadline Day move from Wolves.