Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen is set to be sidelined 'until next month' through injury, according to journalist Matt Woosnam.

The Lowdown: Injury concerns

The Eagles suffered a 1-0 loss to Chelsea in the Premier League last weekend, and unfortunately for Patrick Vieira, the result wasn’t the only negative to occur from that day.

The Denmark international was forced off the pitch on 38 minutes after detecting a problem in his lower leg, and it also kept him out of the Wednesday night clash with Manchester United.

The extent of his injury has now been unveiled in an update which supporters won’t want to hear.

The Latest: Woosnam’s update

Taking to Twitter, Woosnam revealed that Andersen is set to be ruled out of action until February at the earliest.

“Exc: Palace defender Joachim Andersen expected to be out until next month with a calf injury picked up in Sunday's 1-0 defeat by Chelsea.

“The 26-year-old was forced off in the first-half and replaced by James Tomkins.”

The Verdict: Blow for Vieira

Andersen is an integral member of Vieira’s squad so it’ll come as a huge blow to the Palace boss to learn that he’ll be without his services for the next few weeks ahead.

Prior to his injury, the 6 foot 2 colossus was averaging an outstanding 6.7 clearances and 2.4 aerial wins per league game, with both of those figures far and away the highest in the squad, while he also ranks third behind only Wilfried Zaha and Ebere Ezi for overall performance (Whoscored).

The Selhurst Park outfit do have plenty of other central defensive options available so there’s no need to panic and rush to the transfer window, but the manager will of course be hoping to have Andersen back as soon as possible.