Crystal Palace standout Daniel Munoz could be absent for the next six weeks after sustaining a knee problem that requires an operation.
Daniel Munoz has established himself as one of the finest full-backs the Premier League boasts since arriving at Crystal Palace from Genk in January 2024.
He notched six goals and eight assists in 46 matches across all competitions last season as they lifted the FA Cup and Community Shield, and has continued to shine this campaign with four goals and two assists in 23 appearances so far.
Chelsea are plotting a move for Munoz ahead of the new year, as reported by Football Insider, while he has admitted that he would like to play for Man United with a possible January transfer in sight.
The Colombian international was absent from the Eagles’ trip to Fulham last weekend, and he is expected to stay out for at least another month following a fresh fitness update.
Glasner confirms that Munoz could be sidelined for another six weeks:
Palace head coach Glasner downplayed concerns of a long-term setback for Munoz after he had been ruled out of the Fulham encounter, saying: “His knee is a little bit swollen and of course we never take any risks…we are hopeful that he can return for the City game next weekend.”
The 29-year-old’s setback is evidently worse than initially anticipated, with the Austrian admitting that he faces a spell out in his press conference on Wednesday (10 December) ahead of their Conference League showdown against Shelbourne.
He said: “It’s bad news. We will miss Dani for a few weeks, he will undergo surgery, knee surgery. The prognosis is four to six weeks that he should be ready to play.
“But again, when you have to undergo surgery, you never know. I had a few in my career, so that’s why we are always a little bit cautious. But it doesn’t look so serious.”
Nathaniel Clyne is expected to step in for Munoz after starting against Fulham last time out, while Glasner has also drafted youngster Joel Drakes-Thomas into his squad for the Shelbourne tie as right wing-back cover.
Munoz to miss massive Man City and Arsenal fixtures:
Munoz is poised to be heavily missed by Palace after some outstanding displays this season, particularly given the congested winter run of games they now face without him available.
Glasner has acknowledged that Palace will be careful with Munoz, and so Football Insider have outlined the matches he could miss using a five-week recovery estimate.
December
Thursday, 11 December – Shelbourne (a), Conference League
Sunday, 14 December – Man City (H), Premier League
Thursday, 18 December – KuPS (H), Conference League
Saturday, 20 December – Leeds (a), Premier League
Tuesday, 23 December – Arsenal (a), EFL Cup
Sunday, 28 December – Tottenham (H), Premier League
January
1 January – Fulham (H), Premier League
4 January – Newcastle (a), Premier League
7 January – Aston Villa (H), Premier League
10 January – Macclesfield (a), FA Cup