Crystal Palace striker given all clear in injury return ahead of Fulham FA Cup clash

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta will be available to face Fulham in their FA Cup quarter-final clash on Saturday.

The striker has been given the all-clear to feature from the start after needing 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his ear following a challenge from Millwall keeper Liam Roberts in Palace’s 3-1 FA Cup last 16 win over their South London rivals.

Palace’s top scorer Mateta missed their last Premier League outing against Ipswich due to the injury.

The Frenchman played in an in-house game on Saturday and netted twice. He will wear a face mask to protect his ear.

Mateta announced his comeback on Instagram on Monday morning.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DHlGYdHiZHf/?igsh=MTdvdmFwMm8wOTdyMQ

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD