By Olly Allen

30th Nov, 2021 | 1:30pm

Crystal Palace will be without defender Joachim Andersen for Leeds clash

Leeds have been boosted by the news that Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen will not feature in tonight’s Premier League fixture.

The Danish international missed the Eagles’ 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend due to a hamstring injury and Patrick Vieira has confirmed that he will also be absent for the game at Elland Road.

Speaking in his press conference ahead of the match, the Frenchman said: “Joachim is not going to travel, he is not 100%.”

It is a huge blow for Palace, who signed Andersen from Lyon in the summer following his loan spell at Fulham last season.

The 25-year-old had started all except one of the team’s Premier League games this season before Saturday and they were on a seven-game unbeaten run before he got injured.

Andersen ranks first in the Palace squad this season for interceptions per game (1.5) and accurate long balls per game (6.3) and also third for clearances per game (2.9) [WhoScored].

In his absence, it was 32-year-old James Tomkins who partnered Marc Guehi in the centre of the defence against Villa.

Tomkins put in shaky display and was at fault for the opening goal, failing to clear Ashley Young’s cross and allowing Matt Targett to smash home.

Leeds, who have lacked cutting edge without Patrick Bamford in the team, will hope that they are able to capitalise on any gaps in the Palace defence without Andersen there.

The Whites are one of just four sides yet to score more than twice in a single Premier League game this season.

Dan James started upfront against Brighton on Saturday, but Marcelo Bielsa is more likely to play Rodrigo as a striker against Palace or perhaps recall exciting youngster Joe Gelhardt.

In other Leeds United news, one Whites midfielder could be rested for tonight’s game.