Why Victor Munoz is missing Spain vs Saudi Arabia after Liverpool transfer confirmed
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New Liverpool signing Victor Munoz misses out on making his World Cup debut again, with the winger not available for Spain's second group game against Saudi ArabiaVictor Munoz is missing for Spain against Saudi Arabia at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)Liverpool fans hoping to get a first look at Victor Munoz in action after signing for the club will be left disappointed.The Reds completed the $46 million transfer from Osasuna on Wednesday, having hijacked Newcastle’s attempts to sign him. Munoz becomes the first new signing of the Andoni Iraola era, and will link up with his new teammates next month following his involvement in this summer’s World Cup.The 22-year-old earned a place in Spain’s squad following an impressive season in La Liga, having joined Osasuna from Real Madrid just last year.
The Bernabeu club actually had the chance to re-sign him for a bargain fee, but turned down the opportunity.Munoz missed out on making his World Cup debut as Spain opened its tournament with a goalless draw against Cape Verde, and he is absent again as the European champions take on Saudi Arabia in their second group game.The winger was ruled out during the build-up to the encounter after picking up a muscular injury while recovering from another issue in training.A statement from the RFEF said: "During the scheduled and individualized recovery process, an additional muscle injury has occurred that will delay his return to competition."His availability for the upcoming matches will depend on the evolution of his symptoms."Victor Munoz has suffered an injury issue shortly after signing for Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Pablo Garcia/Soccrates/Getty Images))Munoz is therefore not part of the matchday squad to take on Saudi Arabia, and there are suggestions he could also miss the final group game against Uruguay on Saturday.His absence is another blow for Spain, who will be aiming to bounce back after the disappointment of dropping points against Cape Verde. "After some good early form, people started to sit up and take notice, and he's seen as a rising star.Get Liverpool's new 2026/27 home kitThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.
He was also tipped as a potential alternative to Marcus Rashford for Barcelona."He's seen as one of Spain's primary rising talents. With wide players capable of beating a defender in high demand, he's one of the few players who can feasibly look like an alternative to Nico Williams on the left side."Whatever doubts you have about Munoz are mitigated by the fact that it's Iraola taking charge of him.