Jean-Philippe Mateta injury: Crystal Palace manager issues update after 'very serious injury' | OneFootball

The striker could face time on the sidelines after a “terrible, terrible” tackle

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Jean-Philippe Mateta is "conscious" in hospital but Crystal Palace remain concerned over a "very serious injury" to their striker.

The Eagles beat Millwall 3-1 to reach their first FA Cup quarter-final in three seasons, but the victory was overshadowed by a horror injury to Mateta.

The game was just eight minutes old when Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts ran from his goal to clear the ball with a high kick, only to follow through and connect, studs-first, with the striker's face.

Roberts was sent off and Mateta received treatment on the pitch for several minutes. He was eventually sent to hospital.

Speaking at half-time, Palace chairman Steve Paris described it as "one of the worst" tackles he has ever seen, and after the game Oliver Glasner described it as "terrible".

Asked for an update on Mateta, Glasner told BBC Sport. "He is conscious and he is in hospital. His ear looks terrible. It's a very serious injury so we hope all the best for him.

"We are not really happy, we can't be really happy. Of course, it's a great win and into the quarter-finals but when you lose a player, especially with a foul like this, you have two different feelings in your stomach."

"Honestly, I didn't want to see it, I just watched it and it is terrible, terrible. I'm sure the goalkeeper didn't want to injure JP in this situation, no player wants this. But if you got to the ball with this intensity, with the foot at that height, you can't do it because it's so dangerous and we all have responsibilities for our health. I don't want to blame him but it is a terrible foul."

"I didn't see it like it was in the game, it was so quick, I could see the keeper had a lot of intensity, but he touched the ball first. But I could see it now in slow motion and it's worse."