MATETA HAS COMEBACK PLAN

JEAN-PHILIPPE MATETA is targeting a return for Crystal Palace's FA Cup quarter-final against Fulham after his horror injury against Millwall.

- by NEIL MCLEMAN

The French striker needed 25 stitches on a "severe laceration" to his left ear after a kung-fu-style kick by Lions keeper Liam Roberts.

Palace issued a statement late on Saturday night which said: "All scans were clear and JP is feeling well."

Roberts contacted Mateta on Saturday night. It is understood the Frenchman had no ill feeling towards him and they wished each other well.

Mateta is set to miss Saturday's home match with Ipswich and the Eagles' next game after that will be following the international break in the FA Cup.