Millwall goalkeeper Liam Roberts is understood to have got in touch with Jean-Philippe Mateta after his reckless challenge sent the Crystal Palace striker to hospital - with the striker set to miss his side's next match.
Roberts, who was sent off, came rushing out of his goal in the early stages of Saturday's FA Cup tie between the two south London clubs. Although he initially made contact with the ball, the Millwall goalkeeper's follow-through saw his foot smack into Mateta's head.
Medics rushed on to treat the Frenchman before he was taken to hospital. After Palace ran out 3-1 winners to book their place in the quarter-finals, Mateta issued an update from hospital to say that he was 'doing well', having needed 25 stitches on a gash.
Palace chairman Steve Parish had made headlines by labelling Roberts' kick the 'worst challenge he's ever seen' during an extraordinary half-time interview live on the BBC. Post-match, Palace manager Oliver Glasner said of Roberts: "I don't want to blame him, but it is a terrible foul."
The Mail report that Millwall boss Alex Neil and chairman James Berylson both checked on Mateta's condition after their defeat. Sources have also told them that Roberts has contacted the 27-year-old, who was discharged from hospital on Saturday night.
In a statement, Palace said: "We are very pleased to confirm that JP Mateta has this evening been discharged from St George's Hospital where he received specialist treatment and 25 stitches to a severe laceration to his left ear. All scans were clear and JP is feeling well.
"He will now rest and recuperate over the following days where his progress will be monitored by our club doctor. Thank you to the medical staff at both Selhurst Park and the hospital for their help and professionalism, and for all the wishes of support that JP and the club have received today."
Following the match, manager Glasner said that he expects Mateta to miss next Saturday's Premier League clash with Ipswich - but hopes he's back in time for the FA Cup quarter-finals at the end of the month.
He said: "I think he will definitely miss the Ipswich game, but I still hope that he's available for the quarter-finals of the FA Cup at the end of March, so four weeks' time. Of course, we all wish him the best.”
While Palace's top goalscorer was being given oxygen on the pitch before being taken off on a stretcher, Millwall fans chanted: "Let him die." The Championship club are expected to avoid punishment, though, as those chants don't constitute a breach of FA rules.
However, the FA have confirmed they're investigating potentially homophobic songs which aimed at Ben Chilwell, who recently joined Palace on loan from Chelsea. "I'm not in control of what people say," Neil responded when asked about the chants. "I don't know what you want me to say. I don't think it's my place to comment on that."
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