Crystal Palace Manager Confirms Jean-Philippe Mateta Transfer Uncertainty and Absence
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has officially confirmed that striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will not feature in the upcoming Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest this weekend. This decision comes amidst intense speculation surrounding a potential £30 million transfer move, with both Nottingham Forest and Italian giants AC Milan reportedly vying for the French forward's signature.
Glasner's Clear Statement on Mateta's Situation
Speaking ahead of Sunday's crucial fixture at the City Ground, Glasner provided a detailed explanation for Mateta's exclusion from the matchday squad. The Austrian manager emphasised that this decision is not directly related to the ongoing transfer negotiations, but rather stems from the player's current mental state and the surrounding media frenzy.
"I can confirm that JP will not be in the match day squad," Glasner stated. "It is nothing to do right with the transfer. He is not in the right place to play. It makes no sense to play him. I have to protect him and the team that is why he won't travel to Nottingham."
Transfer Deadline Pressure and Player Focus
With the January transfer window closing on February 2nd, Glasner acknowledged the increased pressure affecting all parties involved. He revealed that the club is actively working on potential replacements, including Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, while simultaneously preparing for both possible outcomes regarding Mateta's future.
"Deadline day is coming closer. That has changed and it puts a little bit more pressure on everyone like always," Glasner explained. "I know whatever will happen, it will be good for us because I know when JP stays he will be highly motivated because he has a big dream and this is playing for France at the World Cup."
Crystal Palace's Challenging Situation
The South London club finds itself in a precarious position as they approach this critical period:
- The team has gone 11 consecutive matches without a victory
- Captain Marc Guehi has been sold to Manchester City
- England midfielder Adam Wharton is suspended for the Forest match
- The club sits just eight points above the relegation zone
Glasner emphasised the club's commitment to strengthening the squad, stating: "The club is working almost 24 hours a day right now because Marc left two weeks ago and then no one. As you can imagine it's not so easy to get the players at the end January but I see the club really working hard to get players in."
Two Possible Outcomes for Mateta's Future
The Crystal Palace manager outlined the two distinct scenarios that could unfold before the transfer window closes:
- Mateta remains at Selhurst Park and continues as a Crystal Palace player
- Mateta departs the club and a new striker arrives to replace him
"These are for me, these are the two situations we are talking about and we are discussing right now," Glasner concluded, maintaining that he remains confident about the team's prospects regardless of the eventual outcome.
The situation continues to develop as Crystal Palace navigate this challenging period, balancing transfer market activity with their immediate Premier League survival concerns.
