London – Crystal Palace right-back Daniel Muñoz suffered a shoulder injury during Friday’s Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur, sparking concerns about his availability for Colombia’s upcoming international fixtures and, potentially, the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 29-year-old was forced off the pitch after just 15 minutes, adding to a growing list of injury worries for Los Cafeteros as they prepare for crucial friendlies against Croatia and France.
Muñoz’s early exit from the match at Selhurst Park left both Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and the Colombian national team staff anxiously awaiting further assessment. The injury occurred following a challenge from Tottenham’s João Victor de Souza, resulting in a fall that impacted Muñoz’s right shoulder. He immediately signaled distress and required medical attention before leaving the field with his shirt fashioned into a makeshift sling.
Daniel Muñoz suffered a shoulder injury during Crystal Palace’s match against Tottenham Hotspur. (AFP and Getty Images)
This latest setback comes at a particularly inopportune moment for Muñoz, who recently returned from a knee injury that sidelined him for six weeks. The timing is especially concerning with the 2026 World Cup – co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico – looming on the horizon. Colombia will be looking to build a strong showing at the tournament, and Muñoz is a key component of their squad.
Following the match, Glasner provided a cautious update on Muñoz’s condition. “It was the shoulder. Now he has his arm strapped up; we will do more assessments,” Glasner said, as reported by multiple outlets. “He says he doesn’t feel too subpar, but a shoulder problem is always complicated. Hopefully, it won’t be too long.”
Whereas Crystal Palace has yet to release a formal medical report detailing the extent of the injury, Glasner’s comments suggest the club is taking a measured approach. The severity of the injury will determine Muñoz’s recovery timeline, which, according to MedlinePlus, a website of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, can range from a few weeks for mild tendinitis to several months – or even require surgery – for more serious issues like rotator cuff tears, dislocations, or fractures. MedlinePlus provides detailed information on shoulder injuries and recovery timelines.
Muñoz’s absence forced Glasner to adjust his tactical setup mid-game, with Nathaniel Clyne entering the fray. Glasner praised Clyne and the defensive unit for adapting quickly. “We had to make a change after 15 minutes. Dani Muñoz had to come off, and Nathaniel Clyne, who hadn’t played many games recently, came on. So we formed a completely new back three [with Chadi Riad and Jaydee Canvot], of five, but they all did remarkably well together,” Glasner explained.
The Colombian national team will be closely monitoring Muñoz’s progress. The upcoming friendlies against Croatia and France are vital preparation matches ahead of the World Cup, and head coach Néstor Pékerman will be hoping to have his key players fit and available. The team is already dealing with injury concerns surrounding other squad members, making Muñoz’s situation even more worrisome.
The potential absence of Muñoz would represent a significant blow to Colombia’s defensive options. Since making his debut for the national team in 2021, he has develop into a regular starter, earning 42 caps and contributing three goals. He also played a key role in Colombia’s run to the final of the 2024 Copa América, where they finished as runners-up. According to Wikipedia, Muñoz currently plays as a right-back or right wing-back for Crystal Palace.
The next few days will be crucial as Crystal Palace conducts further tests to determine the full extent of Muñoz’s shoulder injury. The results will not only impact his club form but also his chances of representing Colombia in the upcoming friendlies and, at the 2026 World Cup. Fans and analysts alike will be anxiously awaiting updates on the situation, hoping for positive news regarding the talented defender.
Colombia’s schedule includes matches against Croatia and France later this month, providing a critical opportunity to fine-tune their preparations for the World Cup. The team will require all hands on deck, and the fitness of key players like Daniel Muñoz will be paramount to their success.
Archysport will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
