Jean-Philippe Mateta: The Crystal Palace and France striker faces an uncertain future

Crystal Palace Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta finds himself in a difficult position as he is undoubtedly thinking about his next move The dream of moving to Milan was shattered Due to medical problems.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner has spoken publicly about Mateta’s problems with a knee injury in recent weeks.

Perhaps these defeats explain the attacker’s poor level. He has scored just once since the start of December.

However, illness did not stop the player trying to move away from Selhurst Park during the final days of the January transfer window.

But with Mattita now staying at Palace after two rounds of medical tests spooked Milan officials enough to pull out of a £30m deal, his mind will turn to the immediate future.

Sources have indicated to BBC Sport that Palace have been up front with Milan over Mattita’s knee problems, and sent the Italian club full medical reports last weekend in preparation for the deal.

But according to sources in Italy, Milan had reservations about Mattita’s right knee. The 28-year-old tore his meniscus in 2019 while playing for Mainz and underwent surgery that kept him out of action for nearly six months.

In the two scans it carried out on Mattita, the Serie A club came to the conclusion that the striker would likely need surgery to treat the problem, which is described as an ‘inflammation’ in the knee.

From Milan’s point of view, the problem cannot be solved through treatment and load management.

The possibility of surgery seems to be the logical approach here.

It will allow the player to continue his career free from the pain he has suffered in recent weeks. Likewise, it would help ease any concerns his future suitors may have about his fitness ahead of any move away from Selhurst Park.

It also suits Palace to some extent as it would potentially eliminate the possibility of his current knee problems emerging as an obstacle to any future sale.

Mateta’s current contract expires in 2027 when Palace lose him for nothing, so the possibility of selling the player will certainly be considered this summer.

But with the opportunity to play in his first World Cup looming, any surgery on Mateta could have implications for his selection for the tournament.

Depending on his recovery and rehabilitation timeline, the surgery will eat up the time Mateta has to convince France coach Didier Deschamps that he deserves a place with the France national team this summer.

The club record signing of Jurgen Strand Larsen will also impact Mateta’s first-team chances between now and the summer as well, given a reported £48m spend.

Mateta has scored two goals in three matches for France since his debut last year. Fulfilling his World Cup ambition is within reach but he faces limited minutes on the pitch for the rest of the season as he looks to strengthen his international profile.

This is the dilemma facing Matita as he faces the repercussions of his failed move to San Siro.