CRYSTAL Palace could be boosted by the news that Tottenham Hotspur's star defender Jan Vertonghen may miss the opening game of the season at Selhurst Park.
The Belgium international damaged ankle ligaments in a pre-season friendly defeat against Sunderland this week, and after a scan on the injury, he is set to be out for "two to three" weeks.
"Jan is just about on the deadline for the first game of the season," said Tottenham boss Andre Villas-Boas.
"Hopefully we can see a bigger recovery time with him.
"He's going to be most likely out of training for two to three weeks."
Palace play Spurs on Sunday, August 18 (1.30pm KO).
