Liverpool winger Victor Munoz has received a late call-up to Spain’s squad for this month’s UEFA Nations League fixtures against the Czech Republic and England.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente has turned to the 23-year-old following fitness concerns involving Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal.
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed on Monday that Munoz would join the national team’s training camp at Las Rozas later this evening.
His inclusion comes just three days after he was surprisingly omitted from the original 27-man squad announced for the final two Nations League group matches.
Munoz had been a regular member of De la Fuente’s recent squads, including the team that won the World Cup during the summer.
However, the Liverpool forward initially missed out on selection despite recovering from the knee problem that disrupted his club campaign.
He has now been handed another opportunity after Yamal and Oyarzabal were ruled out of Thursday’s encounter against the Czech Republic.
Yamal experienced discomfort in his right knee following Barcelona’s 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
Oyarzabal, meanwhile, is recovering from flu and has remained in San Sebastian rather than travelling to the national team’s training camp.
Both players are expected to join their international teammates later in the week, with Spain hopeful they will be available against England on Sunday.
Their temporary absences have nevertheless prompted De la Fuente to strengthen his attacking options ahead of the trip to Prague.
Munoz offers versatility across the forward line and has already made five senior international appearances, scoring once.
The winger joined Liverpool from Osasuna during the summer in a deal reportedly worth £33 million after impressing in La Liga.
He has since registered two goals and one assist in 12 appearances for the Merseyside club, although injuries have interrupted his adjustment to English football.
Munoz recently returned to action following a knee problem, featuring in Liverpool’s 1-0 Premier League defeat to Arsenal on November 1.
His latest international selection provides an opportunity to regain momentum after a challenging opening few months at Anfield.
Spain have also called up Rayo Vallecano winger Jorge de Frutos to replace the injured Ander Barrenetxea, who suffered a muscular problem against Rayo Vallecano’s opponents Real Sociedad.
De la Fuente’s side have already secured qualification for the Nations League quarter-finals after winning their opening four group matches.
They face the Czech Republic in Prague on Thursday before hosting England at the Metropolitano Stadium on Sunday.
Munoz will hope to feature in either encounter as Spain attempt to finish top of their group.