Victor Munoz was notably absent as Liverpool trained ahead of Villarreal’s visit in the Champions League, with Wataru Endo also missing.
Andoni Iraola had opted to schedule training for early Monday evening, closer to Tuesday’s kick-off. However, despite no indication of an issue during the head coach’s press duties, Munoz was not spotted with his teammates, casting doubt over his availability.
The winger featured against Brentford over the weekend and took a few knocks. Alexander Isak was present after coming through his return unscathed, while Cody Gakpo also trained following his injury comeback, having been named on the bench on Saturday.
Munoz was instrumental in Liverpool’s 2-1 comeback victory over Brentford, scoring an excellent equaliser on his ninth appearance for the club despite taking a first-half knock.
Having started in his natural wide attacking role, he moved to right-back after Jeremie Frimpong suffered an injury early in the second half.
Munoz was not among those spotted arriving at Liverpool’s team hotel ahead of their Champions League clash with Villarreal. The Spain international will miss the Villarreal game due to injury, according to the Guardian.
On Monday, Andoni Iraola outlined the attitude and adaptability that have helped Munoz impress during his early months at Liverpool.
Iraola said at his pre-Villarreal press conference: “Obviously Victor is a player that we know very well. I also have a great relationship with Alessio Lisci, who was his manager [at Osasuna] in the past season. He speaks also very well.
“Once you have a player, you really understand what he gives to the group. Attitude-wise, I think he is ready to help in whatever position we need him.
“He is playing right, left, the other day he played right-back. I think he is a player with hunger. He hasn’t played professionally in a big club like Liverpool but he has been in the academy of Barcelona, has been in the academy of Real Madrid, has trained with those teams.
“He knows the level that is required in those teams. Also with the national team he is having experience. “So, he is a player that is adapting really well, yes.”
Munoz joined Liverpool in the summer and has made nine appearances across all competitions, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
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