Liverpool has been handed an encouraging fitness update on new signing Victor Munoz after Spain boss De la Fuente gave a positive assessment of the winger's muscle injury at the World Cup
09:37, 26 Jun 2026Updated 09:42, 26 Jun 2026
Victor Munoz of Spain
Victor Munoz of Spain(Image: Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Liverpool have received a positive fitness bulletin regarding Victor Munoz just over a week following the Spain international's arrival. The 22-year-old winger completed his switch to Anfield on June 18 in a rapidly progressing deal, with Liverpool securing his services ahead of Newcastle United.
Owing to his participation in the tournament, Munoz has not yet fulfilled his media obligations with the Reds, though he has already become the inaugural signing of the Andoni Iraola era at Anfield.
Munoz had been following a tailored individual programme to achieve match fitness for the World Cup. He was deemed sufficiently fit to be included amongst the substitutes for Spain's goalless stalemate with Cape Verde in their opening group fixture, but was absent from the 4-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia.
Nevertheless, he experienced an injury complication at the World Cup after exacerbating a muscular issue that he had sustained in the days preceding the tournament in North America.
A statement from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) medical staff regarding Munoz read: "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."
De la Fuente has now provided an encouraging update concerning Munoz's condition and suggested he is poised to fulfil a significant role in the tournament. This indicates the youngster may return to action sooner than initially anticipated.
"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."
Victor Munoz during a training session
Victor Munoz during a training session(Image: Florencia Tan Jun, Getty Images)
Article continues below
Medical personnel from Anfield have already assessed him, though, having travelled to the United States to conduct health examinations on the ex-Osasuna player before he signed a six-year contract.
It's yet to be determined whether Munoz will take part in Spain's concluding group fixture against Uruguay, which would mark the debut World Cup outing for Liverpool's most recent acquisition.
Should Munoz receive playing time from Spain, Liverpool will undoubtedly be monitoring the forward closely ahead of his formal return for pre-season preparations on Merseyside later during the summer.