Crystal Palace: Oliver Glasner reveals striker selection decision for Newcastle clash

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·10 April 2026

Crystal Palace: Oliver Glasner reveals striker selection decision for Newcastle clash

Jean-Philippe Mateta opened the scoring against Fiorentina with Jorgen Strand Larsen suspended

Oliver Glasner has admitted that Jean-Philippe Mateta will be rested against Newcastle after scoring his first goal since New Year’s Day in Crystal Palace’s 3-0 win over Fiorentina.

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Starting for the first time since January, having recovered from a knee injury, Mateta opened the scoring at Selhurst Park on Thursday night as Palace secured a comfortable first-leg victory in their Conference League quarter-final tie.

Mateta, who was cheered off the pitch on his first appearance back after a proposed move to AC Milan collapsed, looked sharp as Palace proved their European credentials.

His return to fitness is being managed carefully, though, with Glasner admitting that Jorgen Strand Larsen, who was suspended against Fiorentina, would replace Mateta for the visit of Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday.

“He [Mateta] had a tough period now,” Glasner said. “It was six weeks, he couldn't hit the ball and couldn't train on the pitch.

“He was really working hard to get back. I'm pleased for him, I'm pleased for us, and I'm pleased for Crystal Palace.

“He's a great player, he's a great striker. As I mentioned before, we will need him. I think he will need to rest against Newcastle. But it's great to have Jorgen Strand Larsen back, so it looks quite good right now.”

On a night when Palace showed exactly why they are widely regarded as favourites to win the Conference League, Glasner hailed a special atmosphere, with the home supporters responding to their side’s ruthless performance.

“Fiorentina is a big name, Italian football is a big name, and so everybody expected a very, very tight game. Whereas in the last games, everybody expected a clear win,” Glasner continued.

“The circumstances were different. All of this created this special atmosphere today, and I think this is the special atmosphere we needed.

“Playing in European competitions is always something special. Especially when it's the first time in your club's history. Today I could feel that there was something special. It was a special atmosphere and a special performance.”