The star of Crystal Palace, Jean-Philippe Mateta, revealed that her plastic surgeon had to save her ear after refusing to show him a photo of his injury suffered after a horror Tackle with Millwall's goalkeeper, Liam Roberts.
The French strike faced a long spell in the bank after being hospitalized directly from Selhurst Park and required 26 points earlier this month.
It is understood that Mateta could step on the football field again in the crash of the FA Cup against Fulham in Craven Cottage after the end of the international break, waiting with a protective mask.
Crystal Palace won all his games in the absence of the striker, but he expected his return anxiously, while the Frenchman spoke with The team Before his long -awaited return.
“I was afraid to have broken bones or blood in my brain, but in fact, my ear was destroyed,” Mateta said.
'At the last moment, I had the reflection to turn my face. I was lucky because if I had not done, I would have taken its foot directly in the head, and it would have been much worse. ''
Jean-Philippe Mateta has revealed that his ear was “destroyed” after his horror injury against Milwall earlier this month
The Frenchman was hospitalized and required 26 points after being kicked in the head by goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the Copa FA
Liam Roberts has been prohibited by six games after his red card, and apologized with Mateta
Mateta's injury against Millwall occurred when goalkeeper Roberts caught him with a high foot, which resulted in a straight red card.
The incident occurred only five minutes after the initial whistle of the Copa FA between the rivals of southern London.
Roberts received a six -game band for the kick, but then revealed that he apologized to Mateta, denying that there was malice behind his Tackle.
He questioned if he had forgiven him, the French said: “I said:” Don't worry, it's not so serious. “
“I could have avoided doing that, but these things happen.”
After his injury required 26 suture points, the Frenchman returned to the training sessions of the Eagles with a black headband with a plaster under the ear.
“A specialist in plastic surgery came and took pictures of my ear, who refused to show me, not to let them stay in my head,” he continued. 'Obviously, it didn't seem like an ear.
'At the beginning of the operation, the surgeon had many problems, but then, as he explained, he found a way to save my ear. He did a great job.
Mateta has admitted that the plastic surgeon “did an infernal job” to save his ear, that “he no longer looked like an ear”
The Frenchman has returned to the training sessions of Crystal Palace and could appear after the international break
The 27 -year -old appeared with black headband with a plaster under the ear and will wear a mask in his next game
'I have to be careful to get infected, I have to wash it every time I turn.
The injury abruptly stopped its excellent shape during this season, with 12 goals in the Premier League.
Mateta is currently valued at £ 40 million and was strongly linked to a movement elsewhere during the entire winter transfer window.
It is expected that Manchester United and Arsenal compete for the player's signature.
'Next week, I should be able to participate in training matches, but for that, I will need a mask while my ear finishes healing.
“Several models have sent me, and I will have to choose between those who only cover the ear and others who cover the whole face.”