Premier League: Mateta has been left out of Palace’s squad to face Forest

Jean-Philippe Mateta will not be in Crystal Palace’s squad for Sunday’s trip to Nottingham Forest as the French striker reportedly wants to leave Selhurst Park.

AC Milan have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the 28-year-old, who has also been linked with Forest, before the transfer window closes on Monday.

“I can confirm that JP is not in the matchday squad,” Palace manager Oliver Glasner told reporters on Friday.

“It’s nothing to do with transfers at the moment, he’s just not in the right place to play right now. So to protect the team and protect him, he won’t be traveling to Nottingham.»

«The second thing we have to confirm is that there will be no new player in the matchday squad.»

Palace have reportedly made a bid for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen, who could be a direct replacement for Mateta.

«The club is working hard, but there is no decision,» Glasner said.

“To be very clear, it could be that JP stays and is a Crystal Palace player on February 2, and it could be that JP has left the club and a new striker has come in.

“For me, these are the two situations that we are talking about and discussing now.”

Glasner confirmed earlier this month that he would leave the south London club at the end of the season.

Palace, who won the FA Cup last season, are winless in their past 11 games in all competitions, leaving them eight points clear of the relegation zone.

They also suffered a humiliating FA Cup third round defeat to sixth-tier Macclesfield.

Published on January 30, 2026