Victor Munoz arrived at the 2026 World Cup still recovering from a calf (soleus) muscle injury in his left leg, and now medical tests have revealed a fresh, unexpected injury that has set his recovery back once again.
Spain’s medical team had been managing the Liverpool winger with extreme caution after he suffered a soleus injury at the end of April. That initial blow had already forced him to miss several matches and cast serious doubt over his World Cup participation.
Just as the player was close to rejoining full training and potentially returning to action for Spain, the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed he suffered a setback during his rehabilitation work.
The Official Statement from the RFEF:
“During the programmed and individualized recovery process, an additional muscle ailment has occurred that will delay his incorporation into the competition. His availability for the next matches will depend on the evolution of his symptoms.”
Due to this latest injury, Munoz is officially ruled out of Spain’s upcoming match against Saudi Arabia this Sunday. Furthermore, he is not expected to recover in time for the final group stage fixture against Uruguay. The earliest realistic target for his return is now the start of the knockout phase in the Round of 32.
Anfield Concerns: For Liverpool supporters, this news brings understandable worry. The Premier League giants recently triggered Munoz’s €40 million release clause at Osasuna to secure his signature, beating out heavy competition from other clubs, most notably Newcastle United, for the former Real Madrid prospect.
