Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta is set to be out of action until after the international break after suffering a hamstring injury in training.
Mateta was named in the starting line-up as the Eagles started the new Premier League campaign with a 2-0 defeat away at Everton last weekend.
The French striker had a largely disappointing afternoon and he was eventually withdrawn shortly after the hour mark.
The aftermath of the match was dominated by reports of a dispute between the player and the club, with Mateta arguing that a clause to trigger a year’s extension in his contract was invalid.
Mateta's long-term future at Selhurst Park is in doubt but an untimely hamstring injury has now made the situation even more complicated.
We've taken a look at the earliest possible date that Mateta could return to fitness for Palace.
When is Jean-Philippe Mateta expected to return from injury?
Mateta's injury is likely to keep him out of action for four weeks.
As well as missing the first home game of the season against Manchester City, Mateta will also miss Palace's fixtures against Fulham, Ipswich Town and Leeds United.
The international break follows the Eagles' trip to Leeds on 19th September, meaning that the 29-year-old is unlikely to feature until 11th October when Oliver Glasner's Nottingham Forest travel to Selhurst Park.
However, there is still a chance that Mateta has played his last game for the club.
A move to AC Milan in January fell through but the contract dispute will have done nothing to reassure supporters that the player sees his future at Palace.
Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have already been linked with a move, but it remains to be seen whether his injury setback will delay a potential transfer.
