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BREAKING NEWSJean-Philippe Mateta STARTS for Crystal Palace against Fulham - just three weeks after suffering horror 'karate kick' to head that saw him rushed to hospital and receive 25 stitches

Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has made his return to the side three weeks after being hit by a horrific kung-fu kick by Millwall keeper Liam Roberts earlier this month.

The Frenchman needed oxygen and 25 stitches to his ear after being brutally taken out during his club's FA Cup fifth round tie with Millwall.

He missed just one match for his club — a 1-0 Premier League home win against Ipswich — due to the international break but has been training and got through 60 minutes in a friendly.