Crystal Palace boss optimistic defender could feature against Leeds after shoulder injury scare in win over Tottenham
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has delivered a cautiously optimistic update on Daniel Muñoz ahead of Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Leeds United.
The Colombian right-back was forced off during Palace’s impressive 3-1 victory over Tottenham earlier this month after appearing to suffer a shoulder problem. His early exit raised concerns for the Eagles, given the defender’s importance to Glasner’s system this season.
However, speaking ahead of the clash at Selhurst Park, the Palace boss suggested there is a good chance Muñoz could be available if he successfully completes training.
“It’s more likely [he plays] than yesterday. It’s still a question mark,” Glasner said.
“Sometimes it seems that Dani doesn’t feel pain where everybody else is feeling pain, so I’m quite hopeful. Let’s see if he can train with us tomorrow.
“Of course, we have to be a little bit aware of his shoulder, but if he can train fully with us on Saturday, then he will be in the squad here.”
Palace will be hoping to have the Colombian available as they prepare to host Leeds in what is a much more significant match for the visitors. While the Eagles appear safe from relegation, Leeds remain locked in a tense battle to stay in the Premier League.
Palace enter the fixture after a mixed run of results. Their last league match produced an impressive 3-1 win over Tottenham, but they were unable to build on that momentum in midweek, settling for a frustrating 0-0 draw at home to AEK Larnaca in the UEFA Conference League.
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Jean-Philippe Mateta injury update
Glasner also provided an update on striker Jean-Philippe Mateta after the French forward returned from injury in the latter stages of the defeat to AEK.
“We have just one league game and one Conference League game [this month]. It was the plan now to get him back and also have him available and give him a few minutes to get him back in. Then, we have three weeks,” Glasner explained.
“Of course, I wish for him to be called up by France, but I can’t see it right now because he was injured for a long time.
“Then, we’ll use the three weeks to get him into a better shape and into a better rhythm.”
More good news on Nketiah and Uche
Glasner also hinted that further reinforcements could soon return to the squad, including Eddie Nketiah after the international break, while Christantus Uche is available after impressing in a brief cameo against Tottenham.
“I think after the international break, Eddie Nketiah will be back for us and also on Sunday, Christantus Uche is available,” Glasner said. “I was really pleased with his 15 or 20 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur – Uche fought and really made it difficult for them, and we need this now.”
Daniel Muñoz stats
Muñoz has been a key performer for Palace during the 2025/26 campaign.
Premier League
- Appearances: 21
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 2
His attacking output and defensive reliability have made him one of the most important players in Glasner’s side, not only this season, but since joining from Belgian side Genk for a fee of €8.1 million (£6.9m) in January 2024.