Could Mateta international debut come in Mbappe absence?
- Published
Real Madrid's announcement that forward Kylian Mbappe is out for three weeks could benefit Crystal Palace striker Jean-Phillipe Mateta.
The 27-year-old has not been shy in admitting that he is "dreaming" of his first international call up with France and also said that the goal is "in his head" when he spoke to BBC Sport last season.
Since that interview at the end of the previous campaign, Mateta scored five goals in six games at the Olympics in Paris to earn a silver medal for France, impressing then-manager Thierry Henry in the process.
Since returning to south London, he has added to his tally with four goals in seven games for the Eagles.
In 2024, he has scored 23 times in 33 games across all competitions for club and country.
With former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud now retired and Mbappe set to return after the international break, Mateta's chance is opening up.
He will no doubt be watching closely when Didier Deschamps announces his squad next Thursday ahead of Nations League matches against Israel and Belgium.