The Eagles had agreed to sell the France international to AC Milan at the end of the January transfer window, but the move was thwarted after he failed medical treatment.
Reports suggested Mateta would require surgery and could miss three to four months of action. However, Glasner has revealed that the problem with his knee is not as bad as initially thought.
Mateta should avoid knee surgery, but no timetable on return from injury
“Luckily he doesn’t need surgery,” the Austrian coach said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Palace’s Premier League clash with Burney on Wednesday evening.
“The knee, the injury is not as bad as feared and that is why we and the opinion of various specialists and doctors think that we can deal with the knee in a better way than with surgery. He will miss a certain amount of time, I cannot say two weeks, three weeks, four weeks. He does not need surgery, that is positive and hopefully he will be back soon.”
Mateta had hoped a move to Milan would boost his chances of making the France squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America, but he faces an uphill battle to book a seat on the plane.
“It was a disappointment, but he is looking forward to the months ahead,” Glasner added. “It’s good for him now that a final decision has been made. Of course, in the end he made the final decision with the recommendations of the specialists and the medical departments, so they will do the rehabilitation here on the training field.”
“He wants to be back as soon as possible and contribute to achieving our goals. That is his mentality and I think this is the best he can do.”
Despite Mateta’s insistence on leaving Palace last month, Glasner has no concerns about his involvement with the club between now and the end of the season.
“It is important for him now that it is clear that he will be a Crystal Palace player, at least until the summer.
“At the moment he does not need any surgery, so it is clear what we have to do in the coming weeks. Clarity is the most important thing.”
“I am 100 percent convinced that JP will give us his best when he wears the Eagles jersey again.
“I think he deserves the best support and I’m pretty sure our fans will support him in the best way. They appreciate what he has done for Crystal Palace.”
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