Liverpool announced the signing of Victor Munoz on Thursday – only for the Spain international to suffer a painful injury at the World Cup just hours later.
Munoz had looked all set to join Newcastle United, only for Liverpool to trigger his €40million (£34.6m) release clause and hijack the transfer at the last moment. The forward, who shone for La Liga side Osasuna last season after leaving Real Madrid, has penned a six-year contract with the Reds and was signed at the behest of new manager Andoni Iraola.
The 22-year-old completed his medical in the United States after missing Spain’s opening game – an embarrassing goalless draw with World Cup debutants Cape Verde – with a calf injury.
Munoz returned to training during the week and was looking forward to potentially making his tournament debut on Sunday when the European champions face Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. But that dream has now been dashed as just hours after the Liverpool move was complete, it was announced that the new signing was back in the treatment room.
‘During [Muñoz’s] scheduled and individualised recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred, which will delay his return to competition,’ the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said. ‘His availability for upcoming matches will depend on his progress and rehabilitation in the coming days.’
While the extent of the injury is unknown, it is said that Munoz has been ruled out of the Saudi Arabia match and is a major doubt for Spain’s final Group H game against Uruguay.
It remains to be seen if this will delay his debut at Anfield, with Liverpool set to face Newcastle – the club Munoz nearly signed for – on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
Lamine Yamal injury update ahead of Spain vs Saudi Arabia at the World Cup
Lamine Yamal has suggested he is not yet fit enough to start for Spain ahead of their crucial World Cup clash with Saudi Arabia. The Barcelona wonderkid is largely considered to be one of the best young footballers in the world and already his country’s best attacking player, but came into the tournament recovering from a hamstring injury.
The 18-year-old played just 22 minutes off the bench against Cape Verde but with La Roja desperately needing a win to reignite their campaign and restore some national pride, some feel Yamal must start on Sunday. While not ruling anything out, the winger has himself stated that he cannot play 90 minutes and suggested he would be on the bench again.
‘I’m ready for whatever the coach wants, but I’m not up for a full match,’ Yamal told TVE on Friday. ‘I’m feeling very good. I’ve been away from the pitch for a long time and I’m looking forward to Sunday. I’m ready for whatever the coach wants, although being well doesn’t mean I’m going to play. The coach chooses, but I’m ready. I think it’s too soon to play a full match. It’s unnecessary. I’m going through an adaptation process and this isn’t the time to play a complete match.’
