'I'm doing well' - Jean-Philippe Mateta issues relieving update from hospital after Crystal Palace star suffers horrific head injury against Millwall

Mateta was taken to hospital after Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts kicked the side of the Crystal Palace star's head as he rushed out for the ball in their fifth-round FA Cup tie on Saturday. The 27-year-old was treated on the pitch and given oxygen before being taken to an ambulance. Reports suggest he is set to undergo surgery on his ear but before that he issued a positive update from hospital.

He wrote in an Instagram story: "Thank you all for your kind messages. I'm doing well. I hope to be back very soon. And stronger than ever. Well done guys for the great job today. I love you, JP."

Instagram

Palace boss Oliver Glasner described Roberts' challenge as "terrible", with the Millwall man sent off in the eighth minute of the contest. In the end, the Eagles advanced to the quarter-finals of the competition with a 3-1 win at Selhurst Park. And the fact that Mateta says he will be back soon is a huge boost for him and the club.

It remains to be seen how long Mateta will be sidelined for, with Palace back in Premier League action on March 8 at home to Ipswich Town.