Jean-Philippe Mateta considering knee surgery following collpased AC Milan move | OneFootball

According to reports from Sky Sports, Jean-Philippe Mateta (28) is weighing up knee surgery after his proposed move from Crystal Palace to AC Milan collapsed on deadline day, leaving the striker facing an uncertain short-term future but an increasingly likely summer exit.

The France international had been close to joining the Serie A giants in a deal worth around £26m, only for concerns raised during his medical to bring negotiations to a halt. Milan were aware of Mateta’s knee issue before talks progressed and sent a club doctor to London for further assessment, but ultimately decided not to proceed. There is understood to be no ill feeling between the clubs.

Mateta has been managing the problem since November, often playing through pain as Palace carefully monitored his workload. Now, with the issue persisting, the 28-year-old is set to consult a knee specialist to determine whether surgery is required. The timing of any operation is delicate, with Mateta keen to keep alive his hopes of featuring in France’s World Cup squad this summer.

Juventus also explored a late move after Milan withdrew, but were similarly deterred by the injury. Despite the setback, Palace expect Mateta to leave at the end of the season, with 18 months remaining on his contract.

The failed transfer has been a bitter blow for the striker, who is said to be deeply frustrated. Should he miss Sunday’s trip to Brighton, new record signing Jorgen Strand Larsen could be handed his debut.

GFN | Finn Entwistle