Dean Henderson was a notable absentee from the Crystal Palace squad Oliver Glasner named to face Leeds United today (March 15h). The English goalkeeper has been a mainstay between the sticks throughout the season.
Glasner has made several changes to the side that drew 0-0 against AEK Larnaca in the Conference League midweek. Walter Benitez replaces Henderson in goal, while Jefferson Lerma and Will Hughes come in for Daichi Kamada and Adam Wharton.
Palace will have one eye on this Thursday’s encounter with Larnaca in the second-leg of their Round of 16 tie. The scores are level at 0-0 on aggregate following a frustrating first-leg at Selhurst Park.
Glasner explains Henderson absence
Glasner will be eager to have Henderson available for that game, and it appears the English shot-stopper is dealing with sickness. His manager explained why he wasn’t even named on the bench against Leeds.
The Austrian told Sky Sports:
“Unfortunately, Dean is ill. The last two days he was at home, feverish, so it makes no sense to play him.”
He added:
“Walter has played a few cup games… so today is his debut in the Premier League.“
Henderson has appeared in each of Palace’s last 29 league games, keeping 10 clean sheets. He is Glasner’s undisputed number one, but his illness means Benitez deputises.
Benitez’s Premier League bow
Benitez joined Palace as a free agent last summer after leaving Eredivisie side PSV Eindhoven. The experienced 33-year-old has been Glasner’s cup competition goalkeeper, featuring in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
The Argentine shot-stopper has made six appearances across competitions, keeping two clean sheets. He will be making his Premier League debut against a Leeds side embroiled in a relegation battle.
| Competition | Appearances | Minutes | Clean Sheets | Goals Conceded | Yellow Cards |
| Premier League | 1 | 90* | 0* | 0* | 0 |
| UEFA Conference League | 2 | 180 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| EFL Cup (League Cup) | 3 | 332 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| FA Cup | 1 | 90 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Total | 7 | 692 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
Remi Matthews has been named on the bench, and the Englishman has yet to make a single appearance for Palace this season. The 32-year-old has been at the club since July 2021 and has just one game under his belt.
The Eagles don’t look likely to be at risk of being dragged into a relegation scrap in the final stretch of the season. They sit 14th, 10 points above the drop zone with nine games remaining.
