Crystal Palace manager Patrick Vieira has ruled Joachim Andersen out of Tuesday night’s clash with Leeds United.
The Eagles boss told reporters that the 25-year-old ‘is not going to travel’ to Elland Road because he’s not ‘100%’ following a recent hamstring injury.
Andersen injury a real blow for Palace
The Dane, a £20m summer signing from Lyon, had featured in all of Palace’s Premier League games this season prior to last weekend’s 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
James Tomkins was called upon to replace him in the heart of defence, slotting in alongside Marc Guehi, but the 32-year-old was partly culpable for Villa’s opener as he failed to deal with Ashley Young’s corner before it fell to eventual scorer Matt Targett.
An attacking weapon
Andersen’s importance to the Eagles extends beyond his defensive contribution.
He frequently launches attacks through his passing, averaging a squad-high 6.3 accurate long balls per 90 (via WhoScored). In the Premier League as a whole, only one outfielder – Wolves’ Ruben Neves – can better that figure.
Fan feed CPFC Transfers HQ relayed Vieira’s update, and here’s how these Palace supporters reacted.
Palace fans flock to Andersen injury update
“Announce Leeds win”
Credit: @cpfcadam_
“Pain”
Credit: @callum_cpfc_
“Tomkins vs Leeds it is”
Credit: @cpfc_sean
“Inshallah he is not out for five months”
Credit: @cpfctristan
“Not surprised and it sucks but hopefully this means it’s not too serious and he can be back for the weekend”
Credit: @phillyconcarne
“We struggled without him last week, I honestly think we should play Riedewald at the back to advance the play forward even though defensively he may not be as safe as Tonks”
Credit: @nikolimorgan
In other news, lots of Palace fans reacted to this contract news.
