Jean-Philippe Mateta set for AEK Larnaca cameo after six-week absence for Palace | OneFootball

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to return to the squad for Thursday’s UEFA Conference League clash with AEK Larnaca after recovering from a knee injury.

Mateta has not featured for Palace since their Premier League defeat to Chelsea on January 25.

The forward has been managing the injury for several months.

The issue first emerged in November and continued to affect his availability during the winter period.

Palace opted against surgery after consulting knee specialists.

Instead, the medical staff decided the best approach was a period of rest and rehabilitation.

The decision allowed the striker to gradually return to full training with the squad.

Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the player’s progress ahead of the Conference League fixture.

“JP is back,” Glasner said during his pre-match press conference. “He started to train with us on Monday this week and will be in the squad as well.”

The Austrian coach added that the recovery process has moved in the right direction.

“Everything goes in the right direction,” he said.

Although Mateta will be available, he is not expected to start the match.

Glasner explained that the striker is still building match fitness after several weeks without training on the pitch.

“He didn’t train for five or six weeks on the pitch,” Glasner said. “He has been back for three days so there is no chance he can play the full game.”

The manager nonetheless welcomed the forward’s return to the squad.

“He showed in training that he is always able to create chances to score goals,” Glasner added. “That’s why it’s good to have him back.”

Mateta has scored eight goals for Palace this season.

All of those goals have come in the Premier League.

The French striker is currently the club’s second-highest scorer in the competition.

However, he has found goals difficult to come by in recent appearances.

Mateta has scored only once in his last 12 matches across all competitions.

His return gives Palace greater attacking depth at an important stage of the season.

The club strengthened their forward options during the winter transfer window to address earlier shortages.

Glasner believes the additional attacking choices will benefit the squad as the campaign progresses.

Palace will still be without Daniel Munoz for the match.

The defender is recovering from a shoulder injury sustained in the recent win over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, Munoz could return in time for Palace’s Premier League fixture against Leeds United this weekend.

With Mateta back in the squad, Palace will hope his presence can provide a boost as they pursue progress in European competition.