Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is “not in the right mindset” to play against Nottingham Forest, according to manager Oliver Glasner, as speculation regarding his potential departure increases.
AC Milan has intensified their interest in the French forward, who was previously linked with a move in January. However, Palace is demanding a fee of £40 million, having turned down an earlier offer of £35 million from Nottingham Forest.
During Friday’s press conference, Glasner announced that Mateta will be absent when Palace heads to the City Ground for the match on Sunday at 14:00.
“It has nothing to do with the transfers at the moment. He is simply not in the right place,” Glasner stated.
“It doesn’t make sense for him to play. We need to protect both the team and him.
“That’s why he won’t be traveling with us to Nottingham.”
Mateta, 28, is the leading scorer for Palace this season with eight goals in the Premier League. However, he expressed a desire to leave the club earlier in January.
“There’s a lot of noise and speculation surrounding him,” Glasner added.
“We need every player to be at their best, and right now, JP [Mateta] is not at his best given all the distractions.
“It could be related to football issues or personal problems that prevent him from focusing. Playing him would not make sense.
“He wouldn’t be able to perform at his highest level to help the team, so we agreed it was best not to play him.”
Currently, Crystal Palace sits 15th in the Premier League and has recently sold captain Marc Guehi to Manchester City during the January transfer window.
While they have yet to find a replacement for the England international, Glasner, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, is optimistic that the team is actively working to strengthen the squad before the transfer deadline on Monday.
Palace has bolstered their forward line by signing Evann Guessand from Aston Villa on loan, with an option to convert the deal into a permanent transfer.
“The club is putting in a tremendous effort right now,” Glasner said.
“With Marc leaving two weeks ago, we understand it’s not easy to bring in new players, as every team aims for a successful season. It’s hard to secure signings at the end of January.
“I see the club diligently working to find replacements for Marc, and we must also prepare for the possibility of what happens with JP [Mateta].”
Glasner mentioned that they are considering various scenarios, including the possibility of Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen remaining a target.
“To be clear, it’s possible that Mateta stays and remains a Palace player on February 2, but it’s also possible he leaves and a new striker joins,” Glasner noted.
Palace was also preparing to make a £50 million bid for Norway striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, but that deal is now uncertain after the club indicated they might withdraw from negotiations.
Wolves manager Rob Edwards confirmed on Friday that 25-year-old Larsen is prepared to play against Bournemouth on Saturday.