Arsenal have been handed a boost as their League Cup quarter-final opponents are set to be missing one of their best players
Leandro Trossard of Arsenal is challenged by Daniel Munoz of Crystal Palace(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal have been given something of a boost ahead of their League Cup quarter-final clash with Crystal Palace on December 23. The Gunners saw the game pushed back due to scheduling, meaning they will play two games in four days, with a trip to Everton the weekend before.
The festive schedule, even more so for Palace with their UEFA Conference League commitments, is testing the limits of every squad. For Oliver Glasner, however, he’s lost one of his biggest talents.
“We will miss Dani [Munoz] for a few weeks, he will undergo surgery,” Glasner said before Palace’s clash with Shelbourne.
Adding: “Always, when you undergo surgery, you never know. We are always cautious. It doesn’t look so serious.
“We have 10 games until January 10th, so this is our challenge for this group.”
Munoz has caused plenty of sides problems this season, marauding up the right wing, scoring four goals and earning two assists. He caused the Gunners issues in the tight 1-0 win for Arsenal earlier this season.
The irony is that for the second time in two seasons, Munoz is missing a League Cup quarter-final at Arsenal. Last season, when the teams met at the same stage in the same ground, Trevoh Chalobah played in the Colombian’s place.
It is likely that Nathaniel Clyne will take the place after starting at right wing back in the 2-1 win at Fulham. He was replaced in the game by Jaydee Canvot or Chris Richards, who is another option in desperate times.
Arsenal will be hoping that Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard or Eberechi Eze, who are all options for the left flank, will be able to exploit the shortness in the position for the Eagles. Mikel Arteta has been ruthless in picking apart the shortcomings of opposition sides this season.
Welcome to ‘Seeing Red’ – our new Arsenal podcast
We’ve launched a new Arsenal podcast ‘Seeing Red’ with chief football writer John Cross and Arsenal reporter Tom Canton.
Each week, they will dive deep into the biggest topics as they follow Mikel Arteta’s side every step of the way – and will also discuss nostalgic flashbacks before each fixture.
It’s a great time to be an Arsenal fan, with the Gunners flying high under Arteta as they look to win silverware this season.
The North Londoners are going strong in the Premier League and Champions League – and they’re also in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
We’ll provide insight and reaction – and have fun along the way – as Arsenal target the biggest trophies this season.
No stone will be left unturned. VAR controversy? Poor performances? Unsung hero who deserves praise? Fixture chaos? We’ll have it all covered.