Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta will be absent from the squad for Sunday's crucial trip to Nottingham Forest, as confirmed by manager Oliver Glasner. Glasner stated that Mateta is "not in the right place right now to play" and that the decision was made "to protect the team and protect him." Consequently, Mateta will not travel with the team to Nottingham.

Mateta's absence comes amidst intense speculation surrounding his future, with AC Milan emerging as the leading contenders to secure the France international's signature before Monday's transfer deadline. Crystal Palace is reportedly seeking a fee of £40 million for the striker, having previously turned down a £35 million bid from Nottingham Forest. Glasner emphasized the fluid nature of the transfer window, indicating that Mateta could either remain a Crystal Palace player after February 2nd or depart, potentially making way for a new striker.

Regarding potential new arrivals at Crystal Palace, the club has been linked with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen as a possible direct replacement for Mateta. Glasner acknowledged that "the club is working hard" but that "there is no decision" yet on new signings, also confirming that no new player will be in the matchday squad for the Forest game.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche anticipates a challenging conclusion to the transfer window, with his club actively seeking to bolster their squad with a new striker and a defender before the deadline. Dyche highlighted the inherent difficulties of the January transfer window, describing it as "probably the most difficult of all," but confirmed that Forest is "active in certain situations" to secure desired players.