Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed that striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will not feature in the Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest this weekend.
Mateta, 28, has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout January. Reports suggest AC Milan have made an offer to take him on loan for the rest of the season, followed by a £35 million permanent transfer in the summer.
Aston Villa had considered Mateta in their search for a striker before they ultimately signed Tammy Abraham, while Nottingham Forest remain strongly linked.
Despite the rumours, Mateta had started Palace’s last three league games against Aston Villa, Sunderland, and Chelsea.
Glasner explained that the decision to leave him out of the squad is not directly related to the transfer speculation.
“It’s nothing to do with the transfers, he is just not in the right place and doesn’t feel in the right place to play,” Glasner told reporters. “We have to protect the team and protect him, he will not travel with us to Nottingham.”
Mateta transfer situation and contract details
Mateta has reportedly made it clear that he does not intend to sign a new contract with Crystal Palace, with the French international eager to play Champions League football.
Reports suggest Mateta has agreed to personal terms with AC Milan, whose loan-to-buy proposal appears to be the most advanced.
If the move to Milan goes ahead, Palace could receive a significant fee for the striker while freeing up space in their squad for a Mateta replacement.
Jorgen Strand Larsen update as potential Mateta replacement
Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen is a target for Crystal Palace as a possible replacement for Mateta.
However, Wolves manager Rob Edwards has confirmed that Strand Larsen will remain with the Midlands club for their game against Bournemouth.
“It’s pretty clear, he has trained and will be part of the squad tomorrow. That is as much as I can say on it at the moment,” Edwards said.
While Strand Larsen continues to feature for Wolves, Palace will monitor the situation closely as they look to strengthen their attacking options this month.
With Mateta unavailable for the Forest game and a potential transfer on the horizon, Palace may need to rely on other forwards for the short term.
Glasner’s approach appears focused on protecting the team and ensuring that disruptions from ongoing transfer speculation do not affect results on the pitch.
In recent weeks, Palace have been dragged into relegation talk amid their poor form and losing their captain, Marc Guehi to Manchester City.
The next few weeks will be crucial as they balance Premier League survival and potential squad changes before the end of the January transfer window.
