Crystal Palace and Leeds United are set for a crucial Premier League encounter this Saturday, but both squads have been severely depleted by a significant injury crisis. The match, scheduled for an 8pm kick-off, will see the teams missing a combined eight confirmed players, with one further major doubt.
Leeds United's Mounting Absentees
Daniel James is a confirmed long-term absentee for Leeds. Manager Daniel Farke revealed the winger has suffered a hamstring tendon injury and is expected to be sidelined for at least two months, potentially until the end of January. Surgery remains a possibility which could extend his lay-off further.
Midfielder Sean Longstaff is also ruled out for several more weeks. He sustained a calf injury in late November, with an initial prognosis of four to six weeks on the treatment table.
The only potential piece of positive news for the Whites surrounds forward Luke Nmecha, who is listed as a doubt. Farke stated last week that Nmecha was still symptomatic and in individual training, but expressed hope he could return to team training in time to be considered for the Palace fixture.
Crystal Palace's Defensive and Midfield Blows
The Eagles' preparations have been hampered by a hectic schedule, featuring a midweek Conference League tie against KuPS, and compounded by multiple injuries.
Defender Daniel Muñoz will be unavailable until January after requiring surgery on an unspecified issue. Manager Oliver Glasner confirmed the full-back faces four to six weeks out, describing the news as "bad."
In midfield, Cheick Doucouré remains a long-term casualty with a serious knee injury. Playmaker Daichi Kamada has also been added to the list after overstretching his hamstring. Glasner indicated the Japanese international will be missing "for a little bit longer."
Centre-back Chadi Riad is being managed with extreme caution following a lengthy absence. His recovery has been inconsistent, and a decision on his involvement is made on a daily basis.
Furthermore, the club confirmed that young players Cardines and Kporha are out with an adductor issue and a back injury respectively.
Match Context and Implications
The fixture pits a Palace side looking to bounce back from a defeat to Manchester City against a Leeds team battling relegation, who earned a point against Brentford last time out.
The sheer volume of confirmed absences will force both managers into significant tactical reshuffles. Leeds will lack pace and width without James, while Palace must reorganise their defence without Muñoz and a potentially fragile Riad. The availability of Nmecha could provide a vital boost for the visitors' attacking options.
All team news will be subject to further updates following Crystal Palace's European fixture on Thursday, which could impact player fatigue and recovery.
