Mateta (hamstring) could make his return to competitive action against Brighton on Sunday, although Crystal Palace will wait until the final training sessions before making a decision, according to coach Pierre Sage. "I prefer to wait for the session of today - maybe the one tomorrow too - but for the moment we hope, we expect it, but we don't know."
Analysis:Mateta has not featured in competitive action since Aug. 22 due to a hamstring injury and remained unavailable for Thursday's Europa League defeat against Lyon. The striker has been progressing in his rehabilitation, with Brighton previously identified as a potential return date, but he still needs to prove his fitness in training before being cleared for selection. Given his lengthy absence, Mateta would likely be eased back into action from the bench if available Sunday. Jorgen Strand Larsen remains the main option to lead Palace's attack, while Mateta could gradually challenge for a starting role once he regains match fitness.
