Jean-Philippe Mateta
CRY
Center Forward
Playmaking Forward
Jun 28, 1997 (29)
Right
6'4"
194 lb
Scoring Drought Lingers
Mateta had three shots (two on goal) in Sunday's 2-0 defeat versus Newcastle United.
Analysis: Mateta was unable to find the back of the net Sunday despite putting two shots on target against Newcastle. A hamstring injury has limited the forward in recent weeks, with this match marking just his second consecutive appearance after a five-game absence in league play. He is still searching for his first goal contribution since returning, and his struggles for form remain a concern. After scoring 12 goals in 32 league appearances during the 2025/26 campaign, Mateta will need to regain both fitness and sharpness to secure a consistent starting role.
Returns to bench against Brighton
Mateta (hamstring) is available off the bench for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton after recovering from a lengthy injury absence.
Analysis: Mateta returns to Crystal Palace's matchday squad for the first time since suffering a hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since Aug. 22. The French striker recently made sufficient progress in his rehabilitation to receive clearance for Sunday's encounter, having missed Thursday's Europa League defeat against Lyon. Given his extended spell on the sidelines, Mateta is expected to have his minutes managed initially as he works toward regaining full match fitness. Jorgen Strand Larsen retains his place in the starting lineup, while Mateta provides an additional attacking option off the bench and could gradually challenge for more playing time.
Late decision on Sunday availability
Mateta (hamstring) could make his return to competitive action against Brighton on Sunday, although Crystal Palace will wait until the final training sessions before making a decision, according to coach Pierre Sage. "I prefer to wait for the session of today - maybe the one tomorrow too - but for the moment we hope, we expect it, but we don't know."
Analysis: Mateta has not featured in competitive action since Aug. 22 due to a hamstring injury and remained unavailable for Thursday's Europa League defeat against Lyon. The striker has been progressing in his rehabilitation, with Brighton previously identified as a potential return date, but he still needs to prove his fitness in training before being cleared for selection. Given his lengthy absence, Mateta would likely be eased back into action from the bench if available Sunday. Jorgen Strand Larsen remains the main option to lead Palace's attack, while Mateta could gradually challenge for a starting role once he regains match fitness.
Could return in weekend match
Mateta (hamstring) may be available for Sunday's clash against Brighton following his Europa League absence versus Lyon, after which coach Pierre Sage said "There might be some chance of seeing him this weekend - he's on track with his rehabilitation."
Analysis: Mateta hasn't been involved in official action since Aug. 22 and will be expected to bounce back in a bench role once he completes his recovery process. If he avoids further complications, the striker will push for opportunities to appear in place of Jorgen Strand Larsen. In that case, Mateta could eventually regain his status as one of the club's more reliable attacking threats.
Not available against Lyon
Mateta (hamstring) will miss Thursday's Europa League clash with Lyon despite returning to group training last week, coach Pierre Sage confirmed Wednesday. "JP Mateta will not be here tomorrow,"
Analysis: Mateta has been out since tearing a hamstring in training in late August and rejoined the group only last week, so Thursday's match against Lyon comes too soon. His only Premier League appearance this season came in the opening loss at Everton, and the Brighton game on Sunday, Oct. 18 now looks the earliest he could return, likely in a reduced role after seven weeks out.
Returns to training, remains sidelined
Mateta (hamstring) has returned to team training but remains unavailable for Sunday's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest, with a potential return against Lyon or Brighton, according to coach Pierre Sage. "For Mateta it was his first training with us, but it's a good step. He was out a long time, but it's a good sign both for him and also for us."
Analysis: Mateta has taken an important step toward returning from the hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined since the opening match of the season against Everton. The striker completed his first training session with the group but will not be ready to face Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Manager Pierre Sage is hopeful Mateta could return against Lyon or Brighton on Oct. 18, although he may require additional time to regain match fitness after his lengthy absence. Once available, Mateta should compete to reclaim his role as Palace's leading central striker.
Return remains uncertain
Mateta remains uncertain to return after the international break, with Crystal Palace manager Pierre Sage saying he is less certain to return than Dean Henderson, per Christopher Reidy. "I think Dean will be more sure. Because Mateta is more uncertain, that's why we have to wait."
Analysis: Mateta has been sidelined since August after suffering a hamstring injury shortly before Palace's loss to Manchester City and has missed the club's subsequent matches. While a return after the international break remains possible, manager Pierre Sage indicated that Mateta's timeline is less clear and that he may need another two weeks before a more definitive update can be given. Mateta started the season as Palace's leading option up front, playing 63 minutes in the Premier League opener against Everton, and should compete to reclaim that role once available.
Expected back after break
Mateta (hamstring) is expected to return from injury in time to face Nottingham Forest following the October international break, according to the Standard.
Analysis: Mateta has been sidelined since August after suffering a hamstring injury shortly before the loss to Manchester City and has missed Palace's subsequent matches. The striker is expected to remain unavailable through the international break before potentially returning against Nottingham Forest next month. Mateta started the season as Palace's leading option up front, playing 63 minutes in the Premier League opener against Everton, and should compete to reclaim that role once fully fit.
Still out with hamstring injury
Mateta (hamstring) remains unavailable for Saturday's clash against Fulham, according to coach Pierre Sage. "They cannot play. As I said last time, Mateta is injured, now for three weeks."
Analysis: Mateta remains in the early stages of his recovery after suffering the muscular injury during an individual training session. He was initially handed a recovery timeline of at least four weeks, so Saturday's contest was always expected to come too soon, with another few weeks on the sidelines likely. Jorgen Strand Larsen should remain the leading option to start at center-forward while Mateta recovers.
Facing four weeks out
Mateta (hamstring) will miss Friday's Premier League clash against Manchester City after suffering an injury in training and is expected to be sidelined for around four weeks, according to The Athletic.
Analysis: Mateta is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up the hamstring injury in training, with the expected four-week recovery period set to keep him out beyond Friday's meeting with Manchester City. The setback also comes amid uncertainty over his future at Crystal Palace and could complicate any potential departure before the end of the transfer window. Jorgen Strand Larsen is expected to start at center-forward in Mateta's absence, having already provided an alternative option for Palace.
Fails to convert chance
Mateta registered two shots (zero on goal) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Everton.
Analysis: Mateta registered two shots and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Everton, striking the post in the first half when a goal seemed certain after Eddie Nketiah's cutback found him in a gilt-edged position, summarizing Crystal Palace's collective wastefulness in a match they dominated without reward. The French striker is the focal point of Palace's attack and his penalty-box instincts and aerial presence make him one of the most dangerous centre-forwards in the Premier League when in form, but converting opportunities of the quality he wasted against Everton will be essential if Palace are to challenge in the top half of the table this season.
Set to travel for season opener
Mateta is expected to be part of the squad for Saturday's match against Everton, according to coach Pierre Sage. "I think he'll be part of the trip Saturday. He didn't play the last match in Germany because he only arrived at the start of the week. It wasn't a match where we needed to take risks. But we can now give him more playing time."
Analysis: Mateta's late return to preseason meant caution was the priority for that friendly, but with him now fully back in the fold, manager Pierre Sage is ready to lean on him more heavily. That mirrors the trajectory he was on last season, when he finished with 12 goals across 31 Premier League appearances and played a key role in Palace's Conference League and FA Cup triumphs, including converting his penalty in the Community Shield shootout win over Liverpool. Mateta is expected to remain the club's undisputed starter up top.
Back to prepare new season
Mateta is back to prepare for the new season with Crystal Palace, according to the club.
Analysis: Mateta finished last season with 12 goals across 31 Premier League appearances and played a key role in the club's Conference League and FA Cup triumphs, converting his penalty in the Community Shield shootout win over Liverpool along the way. He earned a place in France's World Cup squad but was limited to a bench role behind Kylian Mbappe, making just three appearances and 21 minutes across the tournament. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations, and he should remain the undisputed starter up top under new coach Pierre Sage while continuing as the club's primary penalty taker.
Two shots from bench
Mateta generated two shots (one on goal) in Thursday's 2-0 victory against Morocco.
Analysis: Mateta would enter the match from the bench after Kylian Mbappe (foot) left the field due to an apparent injury. He would record two shots (one on target) but was unable to score, yet to find the back of the net this World Cup. He is now up to three appearances, although he has only played 21 minutes behind Mbappe.
Brings physical quality up front
Mateta has been named in France's World Cup squad and provides manager Didier Deschamps with a powerful and direct alternative to the more technical attacking options available in the French squad.
Analysis: Mateta will first turn his attention to Wednesday's Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano before linking up with France for the World Cup, closing out a strong campaign with Crystal Palace where he delivered a string of eye-catching performances, using his physical presence, aerial dominance, and sharp finishing to cement himself as a dependable, dangerous number nine at the highest level of English football. The powerful center forward gives manager Didier Deschamps a different attacking look compared to Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, bringing a direct, physical edge that can shift the momentum of games whether coming off the bench or starting depending on the matchup. He enters the World Cup as a squad piece with real knockout-stage value, where his ability to hold up play, win duels in the air, and finish with force could be a major weapon for France down the stretch. Before the Conference League final, Mateta has chipped in with 15 goals and three assists across 49 appearances in all competitions.
Scores late header in season finale
Mateta scored one goal to go with one shot (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-1 defeat versus Arsenal.
Analysis: Mateta came off the bench and powered home Palace's late consolation in the 89th minute, climbing highest to meet Yeremy Pino's delivery and burying a strong header past Kepa Arrizabalaga to spoil Arsenal's clean sheet. He wraps up the Premier League season as Crystal Palace's leading scorer with 12 goals in 32 appearances (25 starts), a strong return from a striker now shifting full focus to the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on May 27 in Basel before linking up with France for the 2026 World Cup.
Bags equalizer Sunday
Mateta scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Everton.
Analysis: Mateta replaced Jorgen Strand Larsen in the 65th minute Sunday and still made the biggest play of the match with his equalizing goal in the 77th minute. It marked his 11th goal of the campaign, though just four have come since the start of 2026. He finished the match with two shots in his 25 minutes off the bench.
Nets brace
Mateta scored two goals to go with two shots (two on goal) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory against Newcastle United.
Analysis: Mateta scored a brilliant brace during Sunday's clash, making the most of his two shots during the match. He also created one chance during the match, a sold all-around showing from the striker. His two goals proved crucial as Crystal Palace took the match by a single goal.
Scores brace off bench
Mateta was expected to be rested for Sunday's clash against Newcastle but ultimately came off the bench for 25 minutes and scored twice to seal the win for Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Mateta had been managed carefully by coach Oliver Glasner since his return from injury, but his impact off the bench against Newcastle sends a powerful message about his readiness to take on a bigger role. Scoring a brace in 25 minutes of action is exactly the kind of momentum he needed heading into the final stretch of the season, with the World Cup very much on his mind. The April 20 clash against West Ham now looks like a realistic opportunity for him to push for more minutes after this eye-catching outing.
Will be rested against Newcastle
Mateta will be rested for Sunday's clash against Newcastle, according to coach Oliver Glasner, per Sam Tabuteau of Standard Sport.
Analysis: Mateta made a goal-scoring return to fitness in Thursday's 3-0 win over Fiorentina in the UEFA Conference League, but coach Glasner is taking a measured approach to his reintegration after a lengthy absence. The Frenchman is still building his way back to full match sharpness and the April 20 clash against West Ham is shaping up as a more realistic target for him to build more minutes. With the World Cup on the horizon, getting Mateta fully fit and firing before the end of the season remains the priority for both club and player. Jorgen Strand Larsen will be the one starting as the striker against the Magpies.
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