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Boost for Town as Palace star is ruled out of Premier League clash

The Frenchman, who has 12 goals and two assists in 27 Premier League games this season, was on the wrong end of a poor challenge from Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts in last week's FA Cup tie at Selhurst Park.

Reports have suggested that Mateta, who was briefly placed on oxygen before being stretchered off, needed 25 stitches around his ear.

After the match, Glasner was confident that the 27-year-old would be unavailable for the game against Town. Although Kieran McKenna has been keen to wait for official confirmation, the Blues boss argued that Mateta isn't 'the maximum of their threats' despite being an important player'.

Glasner has since confirmed that Mateta will definitely miss the match against Ipswich, with the hope to have him back in action after the international break.

"He won't play tomorrow," the Crystal Palace manager confirmed.

Oliver Glasner hopes that Mateta will return after the upcoming international breakOliver Glasner hopes that Mateta will return after the upcoming international break (Image: PA)

"Mateta is doing well; he is at home and recovering well. He had no fractures or concussion. Healing from the huge wound is going as we expected.

"He will go to Marbella with us next week [for Crystal Palace's international break training camp] and train individually. If all goes to plan, he will be available vs Fulham.

"It was not a big, big topic here in training. The players had two days off. Of course, everybody is in touch with JP and messaging him. He's such a lovely person. His his mother came from France, and she takes care so he's in the best hands.

Asked about whether an extended ban for Millwall shot-stopper Roberts would be justified, Glasner replied: "It's their decision. They have rules, and I think they will decide according to the rules they have.

"For me, I know that the goalkeeper apologised. I'm pleased that it's not as worse as we thought it could be."

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