Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is considering undergoing knee surgery following his failed move to AC Milan.
Mateta saw his move to the Italian giants collapse on Deadline Day after his medical highlighted problems with his knee, but it is thought there is no bad blood between the two clubs after the transfer was called off.
Milan were aware of the issue before negotiations started with Palace – his medical records were sent to Italy on Saturday – in advance of the final negotiations.
The Serie A club also sent their own club doctor over to London to further investigate, before finally pulling out of the £26m deal.
Sunday 8th February 1:00pm
Kick off 2:00pm
Juventus also hold a long-term interest in the France international, and they too looked into a late move for Mateta once Milan had withdrawn their interest, but again, the knee issue put them off making a formal offer.
Mateta, who has had a knee problem since November, has been playing with pain for several months, and Palace have been managing it game by game.
But the 28-year-old will now have discussions with a knee specialist before making a decision on whether to have an operation.
Mateta is expected to leave Palace this summer
The timing of the surgery is a key decision, with Mateta hopeful of making France’s World Cup squad this summer.
Discussions will take place with Palace and with the surgeon to decide the best course of action.
Options include him continuing to play with pain and managing the injury, or to undergo surgery soon, which could mean several months on the sidelines.
Devastated Mateta expected to leave Palace this summer
Mateta has had a knee injury since November
Whatever the decision over surgery, Mateta, who has 18 months left on his Palace contract, is set to leave Selhurst Park this summer.
Sky Sports News understands he is devastated, disappointed and upset after his failed move away from the club in the winter window.
He unfollowed Palace on Instagram over the weekend, and he posted a fed-up emoji.
It remains to be seen if he is in the right frame of mind to play for Oliver Glasner’s side, who go to rivals Brighton on Sunday, live on Sky Sports.
If Mateta is unavailable for the trip to the south coast, then Palace could hand a debut to new club-record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen after the striker’s £48m Deadline Day move from Wolves.
