Knee Injury Jeopardises Mateta’s World Cup Dream

Mateta’s World Cup Hopes in Doubt After Knee Scare Ends Milan Move

Jean-Philippe Mateta’s £30m deadline day move to AC Milan collapsed after knee issues were flagged during two medicals – and now, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner admits the same problem could cost him a dream World Cup appearance.

The 28-year-old French striker has been carrying a right knee issue for months, managed carefully by Palace to keep him fit for match days. But Glasner confirmed it was “no surprise” the injury halted the transfer.

“We knew, and he knew, there was an issue,” Glasner said.

“We took a higher risk so he could play. But yes, we expected this might happen.”

Surgery or Survival Until Summer?

Dwight McNeil has scored 15 goals and provided 19 assists in 120 appearances for Everton

Mateta is now weighing two options:

• Continue managing the injury until after the World Cup

• Undergo surgery, which may rule him out for up to 6–9 months

With the World Cup just four months away, a surgical path could end his tournament hopes. He previously ruptured his meniscus in 2019 and spent six months recovering.

Palace Still Spent Big Despite Mateta Staying

Despite the failed Milan sale, Palace broke their transfer record to sign striker Jorgen Strand Larsen from Wolves – signalling Glasner’s intent to bolster firepower.

McNeil Deal Collapses Last-Minute

Palace also tried to sign Dwight McNeil from Everton, but that deal also fell apart late on deadline day.

“I expected him in training the next day,” Glasner said.

“But the terms changed at the last moment.”

McNeil’s partner publicly criticised Palace on social media, while David Moyes confirmed Everton had allowed the winger to undergo a medical and blamed Palace’s end of the deal for the collapse.