Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed a significant blow ahead of his side's FA Cup defence, revealing that key striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will miss this weekend's third-round fixture.
Injury Update Rules Out Talisman
The French forward, who has been managing a minor knee issue for the past month, will not travel with the squad for their trip to face non-league side Macclesfield on Saturday. Glasner explained the decision was a precautionary one, specifically to avoid risking the player on Macclesfield's artificial pitch.
"JP will not travel with us. We'll give him a rest, not playing on astro," the Austrian boss stated in his pre-match press conference on Friday. "We've talked about some issues with his knee. Everything's under control but we don't want to risk that he plays on astro and it gets worse."
Mateta's Form and Absence Felt
Mateta's absence will be keenly felt by the Eagles. The 28-year-old has been in outstanding form this season, featuring in 32 of Palace's 33 matches across all competitions. He has contributed 10 goals and two assists, making him one of the Premier League's most prolific scorers this campaign.
Only Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago, Antoine Semenyo, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have found the net more often in the league. This rich vein of form has reportedly reignited transfer interest from clubs such as Manchester United.
Glasner moved to reassure fans that the issue is not expected to be long-term. When asked if Mateta could miss the subsequent Premier League game against Sunderland on January 17, he replied: "No, I don't think so."
FA Cup Defence Begins Shorthanded
Palace begin their defence of the trophy they won in historic fashion last season without their match-winner. Mateta played a pivotal role in the South London club's memorable victory over Manchester City in the 2025 final, which secured the first major honour in their history.
With fellow striker Eddie Nketiah also sidelined, Palace face the unusual challenge of taking on National League South side Macclesfield – who play in the sixth tier of English football – without a recognised senior centre-forward. Defender Chris Richards returns to the squad after featuring against Aston Villa, but no other players are set to come back from injury.
The decision underscores Glasner's priority to protect his star asset for the crucial Premier League fixtures ahead, even if it means a weakened attack for their cup opener.
