Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has indicated the knee injury that scuppered Jean-Philippe Mateta's planned move to AC Milan could also thwart the striker's "dream" of playing at the World Cup.
Mateta was on the verge of joining Milan for £30m on deadline day, but the deal was called off after knee issues emerged over the course of two medical examinations.
The 28-year-old has been dealing with the injury to his right knee during the first half of the season.
"We knew and he knew there was an issue.