Crystal Palace receive injury boost over Joachim Andersen | OneFootball

Crystal Palace have received a potentially significant injury boost over key defender Joachim Andersen after he picked up a thigh problem.

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The 25-year-old has quickly established himself as a key player for the Eagles following his arrival over the summer, starting 11 Premier League games in a row before his fitness struggle kept him out of the weekend’s defeat against Aston Villa.

However, Andersen was forced to watch on from the sidelines as Palace’s seven-game unbeaten run came to an end at Selhurst Park.

But The Athletic’s Matt Woosnam was able to provide a positive update over the centre-back’s condition, providing hope that he will be able to make his return to first-team action sooner rather than later.

Following Saturday’s result, he tweeted: “Andersen’s absence with a hamstring problem not thought to be serious was a significant contribution to this defeat”.

Woosnam then added in a separate tweet: “Palace hopeful that Andersen will be back soon from what is understood to be a minor issue.”

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Patrick Vieira will be buzzing

News that the Denmark international is not expected to be consigned to the treatment table for an extensive period of time will leave Patrick Vieira buzzing with relief.

Andersen’s partnership with Marc Guehi in the heart of defence has been pivotal to the south London outfit’s success this season, and his underlying numbers indicate why.

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As per WhoScored, Andersen has averaged 1.5 interceptions per league game throughout 2021/22, 2.9 clearances and a whopping 6.3 long balls, placing him in the top three for each metric when compared to his teammates.

With the hectic festive schedule fast approaching, Vieira will be desperate to have his star defender back on the pitch as soon as possible, meaning Woosnam’s latest revelation will be warmly welcomed.