Liverpool signing Victor Munoz has been handed an immediate injury setback, just days after completing a medical and joining the club from Osasuna.
Luke Thrower Trends Writer
11:27, 19 Jun 2026Updated 11:41, 19 Jun 2026
Victor Munoz Villanueva of Spain celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the international friendly match between Spain and Serbia
Victor Munoz is set to join Liverpool from Osasuna this summer(Image: (Photo by David Aliaga/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
Newly-signed Liverpool forward Victor Munoz has suffered an injury setback while with the Spain national team during their World Cup campaign in America.
The 22-year-old has been dealing with a muscular issue in training, after only being able to feature on the bench in La Roja's 0-0 draw with Cape Verde in the opening group stage match.
A fresh setback has since been revealed with a statement from the RFEF, via Marca, claiming: "During the scheduled and individualized 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."
There is suggestion from Cadena SER that the new Liverpool ace could miss the rest of the group stage, with matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay set to be crucial for the European champions in gaining qualification to the knockout stages.
The injury comes as a huge blow for Spain, with injury issues already impacting the forward line, as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams are still not at full fitness.
The duo only managed cameo appearances in the draw against Cape Verde, unable to break the game open in their short spells, while Munoz was unable to come on and make an impact in his debut tournament for the national team.
It sums up a rollercoaster of emotions for the forward in the past 24 hours, as he sealed an emotional exit from Osasuna to join Liverpool on a six-year contract.
The Reds had to fight off competition for his signature, with Premier League side Newcastle United pushing to land him and even setting up a possible medical, before they were pipped to the post.
Pedro Porro of Spain, Dani Olmo of Spain, Victor Munoz of Spain, Nico Williams of Spain during the World Cup
, UNITED STATES - JUNE 16: (L-R) Pedro Porro of Spain, Dani Olmo of Spain, Victor Munoz of Spain, Nico Williams of Spain during the World CupTraining and Pressconference Spain on June 16, 2026 (Photo by Pablo Garcia/Soccrates/Getty Images)(Image: (Photo by Pablo Garcia/Soccrates/Getty Images))
Liverpool triggered the $46 million release clause and swiftly sorted out the personal terms, before clearing Munoz's fitness with various medical tests that he seemingly passed.
Whatever the muscular issue is, it clearly wasn't enough to put the Merseyside outfit off from making the permanent switch, as can so often happen with the thorough nature of the tests and concerns over injuries.
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Given the poor luck Liverpool has faced with injuries over the past season, there will be some hope that this issue isn't a sign of things to come for the summer recruit.
Iraola will already be without Hugo Ekitike for most of the first half of the season, as the striker recovers from an Achilles rupture, while there were some issues for others that were a clear setback last campaign.
This is a developing story, more to come as it breaks...