Oliver Glasner insists Mateta and Strand Larsen can play together despite striker’s hostile Palace return | OneFootball

Oliver Glasner says Crystal Palace have not ruled out playing their two strikers together after Jean-Philippe Mateta returned to action to a hostile reception on Thursday night.

The France international replaced Jorgen Strand Larsen late in Palace's goalless Conference League last-16 first-leg clash with AEK Larnaca at Selhurst Park, his first minutes since being sidelined for over six weeks with a knee issue the Palace boss shared was "not in the perfect position, but better".

Mateta appeared to be booed by a portion of the home crowd, having tried to force a move to AC Milan only to fail his medical on deadline day due to said knee injury.

The striker’s uncertain future led to Strand Larsen joining the Eagles on a club-record contract at the end of the winter window - but after having his San Siro move blocked, Mateta returned to Palace with both an ongoing injury and newfound competition.

It was initially unclear whether or not he would require surgery to treat his knee, which would have resulted in a longer-term absence, but Mateta has now returned to contention.

Asked if he could foresee a scenario in which the pair shared the pitch, Glasner replied: "Yes. We were talking about it on the bench with my assistants and discussing.

"Obviously we never trained them together, and also I think in the first leg it's not to go all in, but having this opportunity, having two tall strikers, the biggest strength is in the box. It's good to have these options, definitely."

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Jorgen Strand Larsen signed for Crystal Palace when it looked like Jean-Philippe Mateta would be moving away (Getty Images)

The Austrian has no doubts about Mateta's commitment to the club, despite the collapsed deal, which diminished his popularity with some sections of the Palace support.

He added: "I have huge, huge respect for him. Always he gives 100 per cent effort for Crystal Palace, for the team, even when he maybe needed to rest."

Glasner is "quite hopeful" wing-back Daniel Munoz will be fit to face Leeds, but conceded the Colombian is still a "question mark" after injuring his shoulder in their defeat of Tottenham.