Image Credits: Imago Images
Spain arrive in Los Angeles as reigning European champions and one of the form sides of the tournament, having powered through their group and then swept aside Austria and Portugal in the knockouts to set up a high‑profile clash with Belgium.
Luis de la Fuente has leaned heavily on a settled front line, with wide options constantly in flux because of injuries to Nico Williams and Yeremy Pino, which has kept the door open for Liverpool’s new winger Munoz to force his way into the picture.
That opportunity has been delayed by a string of setbacks. Munoz arrived at the World Cup already nursing a quadriceps issue, stayed back at Spain’s base rather than featuring in pre‑tournament friendlies, and then aggravated a muscle problem in an individual recovery programme after completing his Liverpool medical in the United States.
The Spanish FA even admitted an “additional muscle injury” had occurred, casting doubt over his ability to play any part in the group stage.
The 22‑year‑old, signed by Liverpool from Osasuna for around £34.5m after the Reds triggered his €40m release clause, has not played a single competitive minute at this World Cup.
As Spain prepare to for quarter‑final, all 26 players in the squad are available, with Nico Williams still touch‑and‑go but Yeremy Pino and Munoz having overcome their respective issues according to Diario Sport.
De la Fuente is expected to keep faith with the XI that went past Austria and then handled Portugal, which means Munoz is more likely to be held back as an impact option from the bench rather than thrown in from the start against Belgium.
Meanwhile, Munoz opened up on the transfer to Liverpool while at the World Cup, saying:
“It happened faster than expected,” he told DAZN.
“I was here, focused on my recovery, and I didn’t want to hear anything until it was something concrete and there was a decision to make.”
“It was very quick. The opportunity came up and I gave the OK.”