'Looking like Cyborg from Justice League!' - Jean-Philippe Mateta dons special headgear on return from sickening head injury in Crystal Palace's trip to Fulham

Mateta was rushed to hospital after being accidentally kicked in the head by Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts in the last-16 of the FA Cup. After having 25 stitches on his ear, the Frenchman was back in the starting lineup for their quarter-final clash at Fulham on Saturday - prompting a big reaction on social media due to his head protection.

@brentmannerss posted on X: "JP Mateta out here looking like Cyborg from Justice League…stinks of a hat-trick for the boy #boomboomboom."

@DANTC46 tweeted: "What is Mateta wearing, looks like he is playing Call of Duty. These players are too pampered nowadays #mateta."

@kav_paul commented: "Looking at Mateta's ear protection, I do hope he can hear okay through that ear! #CPFC."

@MattyT_631 put: "Mateta is a G for playing," though @DannyMa42210645 criticised: "Mateta seems to be a bit cautious, not really getting involved at all."

Palace star Mateta, who has been linked with a Manchester United move, feared he would suffer a bleed on the brain as a result of the challenge but less than a month later, he is back playing for his club.

Mateta will hope to return to Premier League action when Palace travel to relegation-threatened Southampton on Wednesday.