Liverpool forward Victor Munoz could make his first competitive start for Spain against Czechia after Nico Williams withdrew from the Nations League squad with persistent left thigh discomfort
Victor Munoz is yet to make his first competitive start for Spain
Victor Munoz is yet to make his first competitive start for Spain(Image: Getty Images)
Victor Munoz's prospects of earning his first competitive start for Spain have received a significant lift following Nico Williams' withdrawal from the world champions' squad due to injury.
The Liverpool attacker was part of the Spain squad that triumphed at the World Cup this summer, though injury prevented him from featuring at any point during the competition. Munoz, 23, finally made his competitive bow for his nation last week, entering as a substitute in the team's Nations League triumph over Croatia.
That appearance followed his omission from the matchday squad for the team's opening fixture in the extended September/October international window against England.
However, the winger, who found the net on his international debut against Serbia back in March, may now be set for his maiden competitive start for Spain after Williams' departure from the squad.
Munoz was among eight forwards included in Luis de la Fuente's original 26-man Spain squad for the present international window.
Before Williams' withdrawal from international duty, he addressed journalists at a press conference on Thursday, where he was asked whether he might feature in the starting line-up for their weekend fixture against Czechia.
Munoz won the World Cup with Spain over the summer
Munoz won the World Cup with Spain over the summer(Image: Getty Images)
"I don't know what intentions the coach has, but everyone is training well, eager to play, and it will be a complicated match (against Czechia)," he said. "But whoever plays will surely do very well.
"Playing with them gives you so many advantages; you have so many players nearby to combine with, and I think that enhances my football and helps me.
"I felt very good and was left wanting more (against Croatia), looking forward to the next match, coming to train today. I'm excited and waiting for the next game.
"I try to work every day, contribute my grain of sand, try to improve my game. With that work and consistency — which I think characterizes me — I will always try to take a step forward, always ready to take on whatever role helps the team.
"Being able to play any match with this national team, whether starting or coming off the bench, is incredible.
"It's always incredible to debut in this competition, the Nations League, with Spain. Representing your country in any match or competition is amazing.
"It's true that all those difficult moments you went through come back to your mind — like at the World Cup when you didn't feel right.
"But now I'm in a good moment, both here and at Liverpool, eager for the next match to arrive and to hopefully get more minutes."