Liverpool’s £34m new signing Victor Munoz suffers injury setback at World Cup with Spain
Liverpool’s new attacker Víctor Munoz’s injury puts his participation in the World Cup in doubt (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)
Liverpool’s new signing Víctor Muñoz has suffered an injury while playing for Spain, leaving his participation in the World Cup in doubt. The 22-year-old is said to have aggravated a muscle problem that first appeared during his preparations for the prestigious international tournament.
The winger completed his £34m move to Anfield on Thursday, with Liverpool competing against both Newcastle United and Manchester United for his signature. Anfield medical staff flew to the US to carry out tests on the former Osasuna player before he signs a six-year contract on Merseyside.
As a result, Liverpool fans naturally turned their attention to Spain’s World Cup campaign, but there is no clear timetable for his recovery and his participation is now in serious doubt. His muscle injury is serious enough to rule him out of the group stage, imposing further misery on head coach Luis de la Fuente, who is already struggling with the fitness of star forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.
The medical team of the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said in a statement that Munoz “will suffer further muscle damage during a planned and individualized recovery process, which will delay his return to competition.”
“Whether or not I will be able to participate in future matches will depend on the progression of my symptoms.”
Spanish outlet Cadena SER said the setback could not have come at a worse time for their World Cup hopes, adding that it remained to be seen whether they would recover in time for the finals. Munoz had been following a personalized fitness program in the weeks leading up to the start of the tournament to prepare for the World Cup.
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He recovered enough to be on the bench for Spain’s goalless draw in the group’s opening game against Cape Verde, but will miss Sunday’s game against Saudi Arabia and the match against Uruguay on June 27.
Munoz has yet to fulfill any media duties with the Reds, as he is participating in tournaments across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Nevertheless, after his move to the Reds was completed and his time at Osasuna ended, he issued a heartfelt statement.
Victor Muñoz suffered a setback due to injury. (Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto/Shutterstock)
“It’s never easy to say goodbye to a place where you’re so happy and where you spent the best years of football of your career. From day one, I felt very connected to this club, its shirt and the values it stands for.”
“I have always tried to give everything on the pitch and give back all the love I received. I enjoyed every moment at El Sadar, the magical afternoons and nights, the atmosphere, the unconditional support from the fans and everything we shared. I will always hold them in my heart.
“I would like to thank the club for believing in me from the first moment, all the staff who have helped me develop as a footballer and a person, and all my teammates who have accepted me like a big family from day one.
“We shared unforgettable moments. I am leaving here, but what I have gained is more than football. I take with me friendships, lessons and people who will forever be part of my life. I would also like to thank Navarra and Pamplona for welcoming me from day one.”
“You guys made me feel like home and I can’t thank you enough. This city will always have a special place in my heart. Finally, thank you to all the fans for your support and for making me feel like home since day one.”
