Liverpool have received an encouraging fitness update on Victor Munoz just over a week after completing the Spain international’s £34.5million move to Anfield.
The 22-year-old winger officially joined the Reds on June 18, with Liverpool moving quickly to beat Newcastle United to his signature.
Munoz has already become the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era, although his involvement at the World Cup has delayed his official media duties with the club.
Victor Munoz had been following an individual fitness programme ahead of the tournament and was named on the bench for Spain’s goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening group game. However, he missed the subsequent 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia.
The winger then suffered a setback after aggravating a muscle issue he had sustained in the days leading up to the World Cup in North America.
A statement on Munoz from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) medical team said: “During the planned and individualised recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred that will delay his return to competition. His availability for the upcoming matches will depend on the evolution of his symptoms.”
Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has now delivered a positive update on Munoz’s fitness, suggesting the winger could still play an important role at the World Cup.
The encouraging assessment indicates the 22-year-old may return to action sooner than initially expected.
“Victor has had a small muscular problem (oedema) in another area. It is not a relapse,” the coach explained on Saturday. “He’s also experienced a lot of emotions and a lot of tension these last few weeks that may have stressed him out.
“Now he needs calm and tranquillity, and I’m sure we’ll see the Victor we know again. We’re working on it. Mark my words, Victor is going to be very important for us in this World Cup.”
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