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Crystal Palace star banned for both Arsenal matches as EFL Cup and Premier League ties await

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Arsenal have another week of busy action with EFL Cup and Premier League matches ahead for Mikel Arteta and his squad.

In the space of a few days, the Gunners have the unique challenge of facing off against Crystal Palace twice, with two different prospects on the cards.

  • League Cup
    • ArsenalArsenal

      Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace

  • Premier League
    • Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace

      ArsenalArsenal

First up is the EFL Cup quarter-finals, where the Emirates Stadium will play host to the two teams who are looking to make the final four of the competition.

Then comes a trip to Selhurst Park in the Premier League, where the race for the title is still ongoing but there is pressure on Mikel Arteta to string together a run of victories.

Ahead of Arsenal vs Crystal Palace, there has been a mixture of injury news and team updates, with one star banned for both matches for the Eagles.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images

Why Daniel Munoz will miss both Arsenal vs Crystal Palace matches

One surprise omission from both clashes between Arsenal and Crystal Palace will be wing-back Daniel Munoz.

The Colombian defender has been a key part of Oliver Glasner’s team so far this season, starting every single game.

The 28-year-old recently scored in games against both Manchester City and Newcastle, showing his threat when at the top of his game.

His absence against Arsenal, however, comes as part of a double blow for Crystal Palace in both the EFL Cup and Premier League.

In the EFL Cup, Munoz picked up two yellow cards in three matches, which put him out of action for the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, the Premier League threshold is set at five yellow cards, which the wing-back reached against Brighton over the weekend.

It puts questions over which options Glasner may play on the right flank for the clash against the Gunners.

Brighton & Hove Albion FC v Crystal Palace FC - Premier League
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Crystal Palace options who could replace Daniel Munoz

So with Munoz now out of action against Arsenal, the Gunners could come up against a slightly different threat.

Glasner could go one of two ways with his options, with Nathaniel Clyne a natural fit from his days playing as a flying full-back.

Whether he could offer the same threat is a different question though, having recently spent more time playing at centre-back.

If the manager wants to go slightly more attacking, then he could opt to play Ismaila Sarr there instead, having recently found some form.

That may see a slight shuffle in the attack, potentially drafting Eddie Nketiah into the mix going forward.

It remains to be seen exactly which options he picks, but there is a huge few matches on the line for both clubs and the course of their season.