Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Imagesplaceholder image
Arne Slot, Manager of Liverpool, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between FC Internazionale Milano and Liverpool FC at Stadio San Siro on December 09, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images | Getty Images
Liverpool may be forced back to the drawing board following this significant injury update
Liverpool have made signing new defenders a top priority for 2026 but a significant injury setback may have thrown one of their leads into doubt.
The Reds have recently been linked with Crystal Palace full-back Daniel Munoz, who has established himself as a vital part of Oliver Glasner’s set-up.
Prior to his recent injury blow, the Colombian international had not missed a single match for the Eagles this season. Glasner was initially hopeful Munoz would return after a brief stint out of action, but further updates have outlined he will be absent for a significant period of time.
So much so that Palace are reportedly planning a move for a new right wing-back once the January transfer window opens.
Liverpool transfer pursuit hit with injury concern
According to Sky Sports, Crystal Palace are ‘actively looking’ for a new figure to operate on the right of their defence following Munoz’s injury.
Nathaniel Clyne is currently the back-up at Selhurst Park but he turns 35 in April and is also out of contract at the end of the season. The former Liverpool ace is not viewed as a long-term option for the Eagles, while 19-year-old Rio Cardines remain a relatively inexperienced back-up to rely on.
Palace are now exploring potential new options ahead of the January transfer window and considering a potential winter signing to boost their options on the right.
Glasner has confirmed the ‘bad news’ that Munoz is expected to be out for about four to six weeks following surgery on his knee. As things stand, an estimated return date is still too far away to consider.
“But again, when you have to undergo surgery, you never know,” the manager said in a recent update, addressing the uncertainty that often comes with more long-term absences.
If Munoz is out for six weeks, or potentially even longer depending on the speed of his recovery, this will almost certainly rule him out of any plans Liverpool might have to sign him in the new year.
Munoz’s recovery could take until the last week of January, which is too late for Liverpool to wait around for a deal Palace may not even be willing to sign off on.
Liverpool linked with Daniel Munoz
Earlier this week, Fichajes reported that Munoz is currently being targeted by several of Crystal Palace’s Premier League rivals. Liverpool are in competition with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United for the Colombian, who only signed for the Eagles last summer.
The Reds are said to have ‘genuine interest’ in Munoz, as Jeremie Frimpong remains out of action with his second injury setback of the season. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s replacement has played just 84 minutes of Premier League action so far in his maiden season and has been absent since October.
Despite Munoz’s importance in the Crystal Palace team, the club are reportedly looking for just £25 million ahead of the January window, according to Football Insider. This is on the lower end of the market value scale compared to most Premier League transfer fees in recent years.
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