Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has revealed the shocking extent of his ear injury after a horror tackle.
“I was afraid I’d have broken bones or blood in my brain but in fact, my ear was just destroyed,” said Mateta.
The Frenchman disclosed that a plastic surgery specialist refused to show him photos of the injury.
“Obviously, it didn’t look like an ear any more,” he explained.
Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has revealed the shocking extent of his ear injury after a horror tackle
PA
“At the beginning of the operation, the surgeon had a lot of trouble, but afterwards, he found a way to save my ear.”
The 27-year-old striker is set to return to action after being hospitalised following the incident at Selhurst Park earlier this month.
The injury required 26 stitches and left Mateta sidelined for several weeks.
“At the last moment, I had the reflex to turn my face,” Mateta told L’Equipe.
Jean-Philippe Mateta hasn’t played for Crystal Palace since colliding with Liam Roberts
PA
“I was lucky because if I hadn’t, I would have taken his foot right in the head, and it would have been much worse.”
Crystal Palace have won all their matches during his absence but are eager for his return.
Mateta’s injury occurred during an FA Cup clash against Millwall when goalkeeper Liam Roberts caught him with a high foot.
The incident happened just five minutes after kick-off in the South London derby.
Roberts received a straight red card and was later handed a six-match ban for the challenge.
The goalkeeper has since apologised to Mateta, insisting there was no malice in the tackle.
“I told him, ‘Don’t worry, it’s not that serious’,” the Palace hitman said.
“He could have avoided doing that, but these things happen.”
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Roberts’ statement read: “As the dust settles, I want to address what has been a really difficult week for all concerned, including my family and I.
“Firstly, to Jean-Philippe, who I continue to send my best wishes to in his recovery.
“As soon as I could, I reached out to Jean-Philippe personally to apologise, and I was thankful to hear back from him that evening that he was OK and reassured me not to worry.
“I am devastated by what happened. I unequivocally accept the red card as awarded and accept my punishment.
Jean-Philippe Mateta has been in outstanding form for Crystal Palace this season
PA
“Furthermore, it has been extremely unpleasant to observe suggestions that I intended to harm a fellow professional. I have categorically never stepped onto a football pitch with the intention of hurting anyone.
“Misleading articles and comments have resulted in an unthinkable amount of abusive messages and threats towards my family and I.
“To the footballing community who know me and reached out with support through this tough time, thank you, I appreciate every single message.
“Finally, I want to say a huge thank you to everybody connected to Millwall Football Club for their continued support. The togetherness throughout this club is unique, and I can’t wait to be back out on the pitch in front of our fans.”
