Ahead of the Nottingham Forest versus Crystal Palace match, Jean-Philippe Mateta will be absent from the Palace squad. Palace manager Oliver Glasner confirmed Mateta's exclusion, citing the striker's mental state amid an offer from AC Milan. The Italian club proposed a loan with an obligation to buy for £35m.

This news adds intrigue to the Premier League clash. The transfer saga surrounding Mateta has complicated matters for both clubs. Forest manager Sean Dyche anticipates a challenging few days before the transfer window closes. Forest are looking to strengthen their squad, particularly in attack and defense, before the deadline.

Dyche also mentioned that the club is actively seeking to add players. Palace's potential interest in Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen appears to be cooling. The final days of the January transfer window always bring intense speculation.

What happens next is uncertain. Mateta's future remains unresolved. Both teams will aim to secure their targets before the transfer window shuts. The Sunday match will be crucial for both teams, each with their own objectives.