Overview
- Oliver Glasner said the failed AC Milan move was no surprise after months managing a swollen knee, with a trusted fourth consultant set to assess Mateta on Monday.
- A final call on surgery is expected next week, and projections for an operation range from roughly two to as many as nine months, putting his World Cup hopes in doubt.
- Mateta was left out of the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest, with reports citing concerns over his readiness to play, and Glasner confirmed he will miss Brighton and Burnley.
- Glasner says that if surgery is avoided and the knee responds, Mateta will rejoin training and compete for minutes, though new signing Jørgen Strand Larsen strengthens Palace’s No 9 options.
- Manchester United have internally discussed a possible summer move and are monitoring developments, according to Football Insider, as wider interest is tempered by the knee issue.