Jean-Philippe Mateta injury update: Pierre Sage gives latest ahead of Brighton

Crystal Palace could have Jean-Philippe Mateta back in contention for this weekend’s meeting with Brighton, with Pierre Sage offering an encouraging update on the striker’s recovery.

Mateta missed Thursday’s 3-2 Europa League defeat to Lyon and did not make the trip to France. However, Sage has suggested the forward is making good progress, leaving the door open for a return against Brighton.

Pierre Sage provides positive Mateta injury update

Speaking after the defeat in Lyon, Pierre Sage confirmed that Mateta is moving in the right direction with his rehabilitation.

“There might be some chance of seeing him this weekend,” Sage said.

“He’s on track with his rehabilitation.”

Crystal Palace will now wait to see whether the striker is ready to feature against Brighton. Sage stopped short of confirming his availability, but his latest comments offer some encouragement after Mateta missed the European trip.

The Mateta injury update comes after a difficult night for Palace in France. The Eagles struggled before the break and went into half-time two goals down. They eventually had a better second half but couldn’t manage a point away from home, leaving Pierre Sage frustrated about the result and the performance.

Sage demands better after Lyon defeat

Sage made it clear that Palace cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes, regardless of the opponent.

“We play the game to win,” Pierre Sage said to Crystal Palace official site.

“But when you miss the first-half performance, I have to be frustrated with that.

“We cannot accept this. We have to take the lesson from here today.

“We didn’t fight enough, we didn’t manage some of the tactical problems and we were not proactive with the ball,” he said.

“If we want to be competitive, we need to be better in these areas.”

Mateta’s potential return would give Palace another option ahead of the Brighton clash, but his fitness remains the key question. Sage’s comments suggest there is a possibility he could be involved, though a final decision will depend on his recovery.