Mateta cleared to return for Crystal Palace after horror injury

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to return against Fulham in the FA Cup after suffering a serious ear injury from a horror tackle by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts earlier this month.

Roberts was sent off for the dangerous challenge and later handed a six-match ban by the FA. Mateta, now cleared to play, confirmed his return on Instagram with the caption: “It’s time.”

To protect his injury, Mateta will wear a special mask to prevent further damage.