Roy Hodgson says Jean-Philippe Mateta is available to play against Newcastle United, with his addition to the squad further strengthening Palace’s attacking options.
“He’s fit and ready to play,” he said at his pre-match press conference, “in fact, we’ve got good option in the centre-forward area at the minute, because the players who are available to us in that area are all fit and ready to play.
Mateta’s ability to adapt to his new surroundings has particular impressed the manager.
“We are all very happy with him. He seems to be getting more and more attuned to life in England, life in the Premier League and in particular life in south London with us, so all those elements contribute to the future we’re hoping for from him.