New Liverpool signing Víctor Muñoz will have to wait to make his World Cup debut after Spain confirmed the winger has suffered a setback in his recovery from injury.
The 22-year-old arrived at the tournament carrying a calf problem but had recently returned to group training and was in contention to feature in Sunday’s Group H clash with Saudi Arabia.
However, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has now revealed that Muñoz has suffered a further complication, ruling him out for the immediate future and delaying his involvement at the tournament.
“During [Muñoz’s] scheduled and individualised recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred, which will delay his return to competition,” the RFEF said.
“His availability for upcoming matches will depend on his progress and rehabilitation in the coming days.”
Víctor Munoz will miss Spain’s World Cup clash with Saudi Arabia in Atlanta this weekend and is also a doubt for their final Group H fixture against Uruguay on June 26 in Guadalajara after suffering a setback in his recovery from a calf injury.
The news comes just a day after Liverpool confirmed the winger’s arrival from Osasuna in a €40million (£34.5m) deal.
Munoz has signed a six-year contract at Anfield, becoming the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era after the Reds moved ahead of Newcastle United to secure his signature.
Spain will now have to cope without the versatile forward as they seek their first victory of the tournament following a surprise goalless draw with Cape Verde in their opening match.
Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are both expected to see increased involvement after making substitute appearances in that game, with Spain aiming to get their World Cup campaign back on track against Saudi Arabia.
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