Liverpool winger Victor Munoz may have to wait a bit longer to make his FIFA World Cup debut with Spain after suffering an injury setback.
The 22-year-old will join the Reds on 1st July after the Merseyside outfit agreed a deal with Osasuna to sign him for £34.5 million (€40m), hijacking Newcastle United’s move for the player.
Munoz came into the World Cup nursing a calf problem, but was hopeful of playing some part in the group stages for La Roja, but it now seems like he won’t be available until the knockout rounds.
New Liverpool signing Munoz dealt World Cup injury setback
The Spanish FA revealed that Munoz has picked up an issue while recovering from that injury, potentially ruling him out of at least their next two games against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
“During his scheduled and individualised recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred, which will delay his return to competition,” the RFEF said about his latest injury.
“His availability for upcoming matches will depend on his progress and rehabilitation in the coming days.”
Munoz, who is Liverpool’s first signing under new manager Andoni Iraola, caught the eye last season when he registered seven goals and five assists in 34 appearances in all competitions for Osasuna last season.
The Catalonian spent time at Barcelona’s La Masia academy before later joining Real Madrid, for whom he made four senior appearances. He signed a five-year contract with Osasuna last summer.
Munoz made his international debut for Spain in March of this year, scoring the side’s third goal in a 3-0 friendly win over Serbia in Villarreal. Two months later he was named in Spain’s 26-man squad for the World Cup.
