Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will not feature in tomorrow's Premier League game against Nottingham Forest due to his mental state amid transfer speculation. Manager Oliver Glasner emphasized protecting both the player and the team. Mateta, the club's top scorer with 10 goals this season, has expressed a desire to leave before the transfer deadline.
Jean-Philippe Mateta, Crystal Palace's leading scorer with 10 goals across all competitions this season, will be absent from the squad for the upcoming match at Nottingham Forest. The France international has not scored since New Year's Day and has voiced his wish to depart Selhurst Park before Monday's transfer deadline, with AC Milan reportedly showing interest.
Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the decision ahead of the trip to the City Ground, stating: “I can confirm JP will not be in the matchday squad, but it is nothing to do right now with transfers. He is not in the right place.” Glasner added, “To play makes no sense. We have to protect the team and I have to protect him. That is why he will not travel with us to Nottingham. There is so much noise, so much speculation, so many things going on. We need every single player at their best and JP isn’t at his best right now with all the noise that happens.”
The situation follows recent upheaval at Palace, including Glasner's announcement of his summer departure and captain Marc Guehi's move to Manchester City two weeks ago. Palace have been winless in the league since December 7, and a loss to Forest would leave both teams level on 28 points.
On transfers, Glasner noted the club's efforts to bolster the squad: “The club is working almost 24 hours a day right now.” They are eyeing Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen as a potential replacement, though no deal is agreed. Glasner remains optimistic about Mateta's motivation if he stays, citing his World Cup aspirations: “I know if JP stays he will be highly motivated because he has a big dream to play for France at the World Cup.”
