{"id":580407,"date":"2021-01-25T09:51:36","date_gmt":"2021-01-25T14:51:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/?p=580407"},"modified":"2021-01-25T09:51:36","modified_gmt":"2021-01-25T14:51:36","slug":"crystal-palace-jean-philippe-mateta-miss-west-ham-united","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/football\/2021\/01\/25\/crystal-palace-jean-philippe-mateta-miss-west-ham-united\/","title":{"rendered":"New Crystal Palace Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta Set to Miss West Ham United Clash"},"content":{"rendered":"

Crystal Palace<\/a> are set to be without new signing Jean-Philippe Mateta in their clash against West Ham United<\/a> due to issues with the Frenchman’s visa.<\/p>\n

The 23-year-old joined the club on an 18-month loan deal<\/a> last week.<\/p>\n

Crystal Palace Striker Jean-Philippe Mateta Set to Miss West Ham United Clash<\/h2>\n

‘Too Soon’<\/h3>\n

According to Palace boss Roy Hodgson, the visit of West Ham would have come soon for Mateta.<\/p>\n

He said to Palace TV<\/a>: \u201cIt\u2019s too early. There\u2019s a few visa [matters] to sort out but hopefully we\u2019ll get them sorted out quickly and he\u2019ll be available very soon.<\/p>\n

“But it would have been too soon to have him in the squad for tomorrow whatever [had happened].\u201d<\/p>\n

However, Hodgson remained in upbeat spirits about his new signing, who joined from Mainz after registering 10 goals in 17 appearances this season.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s looking good \u2013 we\u2019re very pleased to have him here,” he said. “We\u2019ve chased him for a period of time, and luckily the club was able to strike a deal.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re hoping he\u2019ll do as well as we anticipate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Palace had been tracking the Frenchman since last summer, although a deal could not be reached for him to move to Selhurst Park.<\/p>\n

However, an agreement was sealed swiftly last week, with the 23-year-old joining on an 18-month loan with an obligation to buy.<\/p>\n

With Mateta missing, it is likely to mean that Christian Benteke<\/a> will return to the starting line-up against the Hammers after being dropped to the bench in their 4-0 defeat to Manchester City<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Belgian, though, has been linked with a move away from South London following the arrival of Mateta, with West Bromwich Albion<\/a> one of the clubs reportedly interested. However, Baggies boss Sam Allardyce does not believe that Benteke is available.<\/p>\n

“I am not sure if Christian is available” he said. <\/a><\/p>\n

“If they came to me and said he was available\u2026 I am not sure that is the case at the moment.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf he is available I would be interested, everyone knows I am interested in a frontman.\u201d<\/p>\n

Main Photo
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>