Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner Outlines Cautious Plan for Jean-Philippe Mateta's Return
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has emphasised a measured approach to reintegrating striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after his return from a six-week injury layoff. Mateta made a 15-minute appearance in Thursday's Europa Conference League draw against AEK Larnaca, marking his first competitive minutes since January.
Gradual Reintegration Strategy
Glasner confirmed the plan is to increase Mateta's playing time incrementally over the coming weeks. "It was the plan now to get him back and also having him available, giving him a few minutes game by game," the Austrian manager stated. He acknowledged Mateta's recent injury prevented a potential January transfer and a call-up to the French national team, but expressed optimism about his recovery trajectory.
"And then [we can] use these three weeks [before the end of the international break] to get him into a better shape, into a better rhythm," Glasner added. "Hopefully we are then qualified for the quarter-final but again, respect for Larnaca, it will be a tricky game as well there."
Expanded Striker Options for Palace
The return of Mateta provides Glasner with enhanced tactical flexibility in attack. January signing Jorgen Strand Larsen, who broke the club's transfer record, has scored three goals in five league games during Mateta's absence. Thursday's match was the first time both strikers have been available simultaneously, with Mateta substituting for Strand Larsen late in the game.
Glasner revealed he has discussed the possibility of deploying both tall strikers together. "We were talking about it today on the bench and with my assistants," he said. "I think in the first place, it's not to go all in. But having this opportunity, having two tall strikers, their biggest strengths [are] in the box. It's good to have these options, definitely."
Additional Squad Updates and Upcoming Fixtures
Glasner also provided updates on other squad members. He expects Eddie Nketiah to return after the international break and confirmed Christantus Uche is available for Sunday's Premier League clash against Leeds United. Right wing-back Daniel Munoz, who missed the Larnaca match with a shoulder injury, is showing positive signs of recovery.
"It's still a question mark," Glasner said regarding Munoz. "But Danny sometimes it seems that he doesn't feel pain where everybody else is feeling pain, so I'm quite hopeful."
Palace face Leeds on Sunday before travelling to Cyprus for the Conference League return leg against Larnaca. The tie remains finely balanced after a goalless draw at Selhurst Park, where Palace dominated but couldn't breach Larnaca's resilient defence.
Glasner concluded by highlighting the importance of Mateta's full recovery: "And then having JP in a better shape than he's now and then helping us maybe for 30 minutes or 45 or even for 60 minutes, that will also be important." With multiple attacking options returning, Palace aim to strengthen their push in both domestic and European competitions.
