Jean-Philippe Mateta avoids knee surgery, says Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner | OneFootball

Jean-Philippe Mateta will not require knee surgery, Oliver Glasner announced on Tuesday, keeping alive the Crystal Palace striker’s hopes of featuring for France at the World Cup from 11 June to 19 July.

According to L'Équipe, the Palace head coach said the injury is not as serious as first feared after consultations with several specialists. Mateta took the final decision in agreement with the medical staff and external advice.

The forward had been set to join AC Milan last summer before the move collapsed following his medical. Tests revealed a knee issue that might have required an operation and could have sidelined him for months.

Mateta is a France international with three caps and two goals.

Last week, the Austrian coach said one option was to manage the player’s workload ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada. He will miss several weeks.

Source: L'Équipe