Jean-Philippe Mateta will not undergo knee surgery due to the issue that prevented his transfer to Milan. Oliver Glasner revealed that after consulting several specialists, all parties involved made this decision. Thus, the 28-year-old Frenchman maintains his chances of being called up by Didier Deschamps for the 2026 World Cup and can finish the season playing for Crystal Palace. "Fortunately, he does not need surgery. The knee injury is not as serious as we feared. The opinion of several specialists and doctors is that we can manage it better without surgery. He will be out for some time. I can't say if it will be two, three, or four weeks, but he does not need surgery, which is positive. We hope he returns soon. It is already clear that he will be a player for Crystal Palace at least until the summer. He wants to return as quickly as possible and contribute to our goals. This is his mindset, and it is the best he can do," said the Austrian coach. Glasner confirmed once again that his decision to leave the club at the end of the season is final and not subject to change. "I cannot change my decision. I promised the players and the management that I would give my best until the last day. This decision is final. It is good because Crystal Palace needs to prepare for Oliver Glasner's departure. It is important that they have time, and I know they will prepare in the best way," he explained. "I hope we can finish the season in the best way. For me, this is an even greater motivation to leave in a very positive manner and makes me even more ambitious," added the coach, who still hopes to compete for the UEFA Conference League title and secure Premier League survival.
World Cup Philippe Mateta remains central to this story.
World Cup Philippe Mateta remains central to this story.
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