Crystal Palace could welcome back Mateta for Leeds clash as injuries cloud selection | OneFootball

According to Leeds Live, Crystal Palace could welcome back Jean-Philippe Mateta for Sunday’s clash with Leeds United, his first involvement since a failed January move.

AC Milan pulled out after flagging a knee issue, sidelining him since early February. There was talk the collapse might scupper Jorgen Strand Larsen’s switch and open a route for Leeds.

In the event, Palace’s stronger PSR position allowed a £48 million deal for the Norwegian, while Leeds did not go above £40 million, a sum from next season’s budget.

Strand Larsen has three goals in five Premier League games and is the current starter. Even if Mateta returns, a starting place is not assured.

Daniel Munoz’s shoulder injury in the 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur makes him unlikely to face Leeds, his arm is in a brace. Max Lacroix is due back after a red card against Manchester United.

Eddie Nketiah is not expected back until April with a leg muscle strain, while Cheick Doucoure faces a race to feature before season’s end after a serious knee setback.

For Leeds, Daniel Farke hopes Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s knee problem that kept him out of Sunday’s FA Cup tie with Norwich City is only minor. He is set to update on Noah Okafor this week, and with a two to four week hamstring timeline, Sunday marks a month since the injury. There is also a small doubt over Sebastiaan Bornauw, who felt unwell before Sunday’s game and was withdrawn at half time.

Source: Leeds Live