Jean-Philippe Mateta weighing up knee surgery after AC Milan move collapses

The 28-year-old was close to joining the Serie A giants in a deal worth more than 26 million pounds, but Milan withdrew after examinations raised concerns about his knee. Palace had provided full medical records before final negotiations, while Milan also sent their own doctor to London to assess the striker before pulling out of the transfer.

Mateta has been dealing with a knee problem since November and has continued playing through pain, with Palace managing his condition on a game-by-game basis. Milan's assessments suggested the issue - believed to involve inflammation in his right knee - may require surgery rather than therapy alone. The France international previously suffered a ruptured meniscus in 2019 while playing for Mainz, which ruled him out for around six months.

He is now expected to consult a specialist alongside Palace to determine the best course of action. Continuing to play while managing the injury remains an option, but surgery could keep him sidelined for several months while potentially resolving the problem long term.

The decision is further complicated by Mateta's international ambitions. He has scored two goals in three appearances for France since his debut last year and is hoping to secure a place in Didier Deschamps' World Cup squad. However, a lengthy recovery could affect his chances of selection.

Mateta's club situation also remains uncertain. He has scored just once since early December, while Palace's record 48 million pounds signing of striker Jorgen Strand Larsen could limit his first-team opportunities during the second half of the season.

Despite Milan's withdrawal, Mateta has attracted interest elsewhere, with Juventus previously monitoring him and Nottingham Forest having submitted a 35 million pounds bid earlier in the transfer window.

The striker remains under contract at Palace until 2027, but resolving his knee issue is likely to be key to shaping both his club future and hopes of representing France on the international stage.

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