Crystal Palace have sleepwalked to two consecutive 0-0 draws without Daniel Munoz in the side.
The Colombia international was forced off early into the 3-1 win over Tottenham due to a shoulder injury, and while Crystal Palace were able to defeat Spurs without the influential South American, his absence was clear for all to see in stalemates against AEK Larnaca and Leeds.
Daniel Munoz does, however, appear ready to start the second leg of the UEFA Conference League Round of 16 clash against AEK Larnaca on Thursday after Crystal Palace posted a photo on X (previously known as Twitter).
Crystal Palace upload image of Daniel Munoz arriving in Cyprus
Given how important Munoz is to Oliver Glasner, it feels highly unlikely that he would fly all the way to Larnaca if he was not ready to play. It would make far more sense to let him stay and work on his recovery at Copers Cope in that case.
However, the Colombian has now been pictured arriving in Cyprus – offering a very strong hint that he will be involved in the UEFA Conference League clash.
Having been made to watch Brennan Johnson struggle as a right wing-back in the last two games, that will be music to the ears of Crystal Palace fans everywhere.
Munoz – who Danny Imray may deputise for next term – has been one of the more productive players at Crystal Palace this season despite missing 12 games with a serious knee problem back in winter, scoring four goals and providing two assists in his 32 appearances.
Only Yeremy Pino, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ismaila Sarr, who has lost his Africa Cup of Nations medal, have scored more goals this term with five, ten and 13 respectively.
Daniel Munoz in action for Crystal Palace
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
So, the fact it looks like the Crystal Palace No.2 will be able to start against AEK Larnaca is simply huge news, and could well make all the difference for the Eagles.
Glasner has since confirmed that Munoz looks “fine to play” against the Cypriot side, although we will be without Dean Henderson – who remains sidelined through injury.