Mateta, injured, wants to quickly join the Blues

Jean‑Philippe Mateta, the 29‑year‑old striker of Crystal Palace, has been battling a hamstring muscle injury since the first Premier League match, but he says he wants to be back on the pitch by tomorrow to aim for a place in the France squad before the match against Nottingham Forest this Sunday.

Season start hampered by injury

Mateta only played sixty‑three minutes at the start of the season, then the hamstring muscle injury consigned him to the bench, depriving him of any playing time since the first round of the Premier League. He told RMC, on the programme After England, “I’ll be back on the pitch soon,” emphasizing his optimism.

Pierre Sage’s Eagles, sitting fifteenth in the Premier League after five matchdays, are counting on the scorer to climb the table, especially for the clash against Nottingham Forest this Sunday. Mateta hopes to contribute as soon as he returns to help his team escape the relegation zone.

Last year, after his spell at Lyon and Le Havre, he had scored twelve league goals, which earned him a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Valued by Didier Deschamps, he was present three times with the Bleus during the final phase in the United States.

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National goal and prospects

“All my life, I’ve worked to be in the France team,” the 29‑year‑old affirmed, adding that playing under Zidane would be “a dream.” He concluded: “I’ll do everything to be called up in November,” targeting the first gathering of the Bleus.

The Bleus will face Italy on November 12 and then Turkey on the 15th, giving Mateta several opportunities to earn points and convince the manager.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace will travel to Lyon on October 15 for a Europa League match, a fixture that could also serve as a showcase for Mateta in front of French observers.

Mateta promises Zidane he'll fight to return to France's national team

The interview was published today at 19:51, offering supporters an exclusive insight into his objectives and fitness level.