Crystal Palace face AEK Larnaca in the second leg of their Europa Conference League Round of 16 tie tomorrow night (March 19th). Unfortunately, there’s good and bad news on the injury front for Oliver Glasner.
The Eagles are tasked with overcoming the best defensive team in Europe’s third-tier competition this season. They were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw in the first leg at Selhurst Park.
Glasner was without Daniel Munoz for that game, as the Colombian was recovering from a shoulder injury. Dean Henderson was between the sticks but missed a 0-0 draw against Leeds United on Sunday.
Good and bad news for Glasner
Glasner has confirmed that Munoz is fit to face Larnaca after travelling to Cyprus with the squad. But Henderson is not available.
The Austrian told reporters:
“Daniel Muñoz is fine to play. Dean Henderson unfortunately not. He is still unwell. So we’ve decided he will stay in London. “Overall, it is positive, we have no further injuries.”
Munoz’s return is a massive boost for Palace, given how important he is in Glasner’s system. Brennan Johnson filled in at right wing-back in the draw at Selhurst Park and didn’t overly impress.
The Colombian picked up a shoulder injury in a 3-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. But he’s back just in time for the most important game of the season thus far.
Palace will have to make do without their captain at AEK Arena. Henderson, who took the armband from Marc Guehi, remains ill, and that is a huge blow.
Henderson hasn’t just been superb between the sticks but also as a leader, galvanising the Eagles during a difficult winter period. The English shot-stopper’s absence means Walter Benitez can be expected to continue in goal.
Glasner on Pino’s slow start
One player eager to be handed an opportunity against Larnaca is Yeremy Pino. The Spanish attacker has endured a frustrating start to life at Selhurst Park.
The 23-year-old arrived from Villarreal last summer for £26m and was expected to be a main man with the South Londoners. That hasn’t happened, and he’s instead settled for a bit-part role in recent months.
Glasner touched on the Spaniard ahead of the Larnaca game:
“He (Pino) is trying very hard. He wants to show up and prove how good he is. I have told him ‘relax’. Because in training we see what a great player he is and what a great finish he has. “I’m very sure we will need him until the end of the season.”
Pino has appeared 38 times across competitions, posting five goals and four assists. He’s fared well in the Conference League, managing one goal and two assists in seven outings.
