**Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has insisted he’s not given up on his dreams of playing for France again, despite his recent injury problems.**
[Le Figaro Sport report](https://www.lefigaro.fr/) on comments from the Crystal Palace striker today after he made a goalscoring return in the Conference League this week.
The 28-year-old bagged the first goal of the 3-0 win over Fiorentina, scoring from the spot in the quarter final first leg. That goal was his first in three months after something of an injury nightmare.
AC Milan transfer disaster
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He had been close to a move to AC Milan in the January transfer window. A deal was agreed with Crystal Palace, before the Italian side pulled out at the last minute.
They discovered an issue with the striker’s knee, [which required surgery to correct](https://sportwitness.co.uk/4th-doctor-influences-crystal-palace-decision-surgery-decision-made/). That saw them pull out of the deal and Jean-Philippe Mateta return to Crystal Palace disappointed.
He’s since undergone surgery and spent the last three months out recovering from the issue. That’s put his international future in doubt ahead of the World Cup. He made his debut for France in October and has since scored I his last two appearances.
His form for Crystal Palace had put him on course for the World Cup as a result. Now that’s in doubt, but he insists he’s not given up.
“It has been a rather strange period, but you adapt,” he told Canal+, adding that he had “worked hard” and “been rewarded.”
“It’s on my mind. It’s one of the reasons why I didn’t give up,” he added when asked about the national team.
France competition
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The problem for the Crystal Palace striker is the intense competition for places in France’s forward line. He’s competing with some of Europe’s elite for a place at the World Cup this summer.
His absence this year has already put him down the pecking order, and now he needs a strong end to the season to climb back up the ladder.
Crystal Palace will certainly be hoping he can do that. A strong end from him could end up massively benefitting both parties.