SAKA, ANTONY AND 10 PREMIER LEAGUE STARS HEADING TO THEIR FIRST WORLD CUP
Unfortunately, Roy Hodgson has confirmed that Wilfried Zaha will miss the trip to Leeds on Monday, and may also miss even more games.
The Ivory Coast international suffered a hamstring injury in the 2-1 win over Newcastle on Tuesday, which forced him off the field.
This is obviously terrible news. Zaha is our talisman, and the Eagles are a significantly worse team without him.
However, there is one silver lining.
Zaha’s injury has come at just the right time for Jean-Philippe Mateta.
The January signing from Mainz 05 is yet to play a single second of football for his new side, although that may change against Leeds as he could well come in for the injured Ivorian.
Why is this the perfect time for the 23-year-old?
Well, if Hodgson does throw the Frenchman into the starting XI at Elland Road on Monday, Mateta has a good chance of impressing.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have conceded the second-most goals in the Premier League this season with 38 concessions in 21 games.
In that respect, up against a leaky backline, Mateta has a great chance of finding the net.
The Sevran-born hitman should also feel confident of doing just that given his form so far this season.
For the first time in many years, Palace have made a January signing who is actually in fine form – Mateta has already hit ten goals in 17 games for Mainz 05 this season.
With all of this considered, there’s a good chance of our new boy causing Leeds some problems in Yorkshire this Monday.
