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March 29, 2025
Jean-Philippe Mateta Injury: Mateta returned to football with confidence. He represented Crystal Palace against Fulham in the FA Cup quarterfinal. He hadn't played since suffering horrific ear damage.
Throughout the match, Mateta wore protective headgear. Earlier this month, during the FA Cup tie against Millwall on March 1, Mateta suffered a high-boot kick to the head.
A serious ear injury resulted from the impact. To close the wound, Mateta required twenty-five stitches. His ear was badly cut.
In an interview with L'Equipe, Mateta detailed the incident. He said, "I was afraid I'd have broken bones or blood in my brain."
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But the only injury was to his ear. He added, ‘I was lucky.’ At the last second, he says, he turned his head. He avoided a more serious injury thanks to this action.
Mateta remained conscious despite the pain. In his words to the doctor, "I'm fine, I want to play again." But when the doctor saw his ear, he refused.
"You have to go," the doctor said.
He was treated by a plastic surgery expert. He photographed Mateta's ear. The photos were not shown to Mateta.
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The ear no longer had the same look. The surgeon put a lot of work into saving it. Mateta was grateful for the doctor's work. He said, ‘He did an incredible job.’ Following the surgery, Mateta went back to Crystal Palace.
After Palace’s 3–1 win over Millwall, he was discharged from the hospital the same evening. Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts’s high-boot challenge caused the injury.
He received a three-game ban. The ban was increased to six games by the English Football Association. Mateta eventually got an apology from Roberts.
Mateta later described the incident as ‘just a mistake’ and said, ‘We can learn from it’. Mateta made an incredible return to the field. This season, he has scored fifteen goals.
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Oliver Glasner, his manager, praised his recovery. After two weeks off, Mateta resumed training. Glasner said, ‘He looks as sharp as ever.’ During practice and competition, Mateta wore a protective helmet.
He was comfortable with the helmet. Glasner assured the press that Mateta was ready and ‘has been working hard to regain his rhythm.’
Mateta's story shows his bravery. He went back to play after suffering a horrific injury. It was clear he was determined to play again. When he returns to the field, fans are excited.
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