Liverpool's new £34m signing Victor Munoz has suffered an injury setback with Spain at the World Cup12:20, 19 Jun 2026Victor Munoz's World Cup is in doubt after the new Liverpool signing suffered an injury setback with Spain. The 22-year-old is said to have aggravated a muscle problem that first emerged in the build-up to the prestigious international tournament.‌The winger completed his £34million switch to Anfield on Thursday, with Liverpool seeing off both Newcastle United and Manchester United to land his signature. Anfield medical staff flew out to the US to carry out checks on the former Osasuna man before he put pen to paper on a six-year contract on Merseyside.‌Liverpool fans had naturally turned their attention to Spain's World Cup campaign as a result, but his participation is now in serious doubt, with no clear timeline for his recovery. His muscle injury is severe enough to rule him out of the group stages, piling further misery on head coach Luis de la Fuente, who is already sweating over the fitness of star forwards Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.‌A statement on Munoz from the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) medical team said: "During the planned 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."Spanish outlet Cadena SER added that it remains to be seen whether he will recover in time for the knockout rounds, with the setback arriving at the worst possible moment for his World Cup hopes. In the lead-up to and throughout the opening weeks of the tournament, Munoz was following a tailored individual fitness programme to get himself ready for the World Cup.‌Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!He was sufficiently recovered to take a place on the bench for Spain's goalless draw with Cape Verde in their group opener, but he will now sit out Sunday's fixture with Saudi Arabia and the clash with Uruguay on June 27.Due to his involvement in the tournament across America, Canada and Mexico, Munoz has yet to fulfil his media obligations with the Reds.‌Nevertheless, after completing his move to the Reds, he released a heartfelt statement once his spell at Osasuna came to an end.He said: "It's never easy to say farewell to a place where you've been very happy and where you lived the best footballing year of your career. Since the first day, I felt very connected with this club, with its shirt and the values it represents.‌"I always tried to give everything on the pitch and give back all the love I received. I enjoyed every single moment at El Sadar - the magical afternoons and nights, the atmosphere, the unconditional support from fans and everything we've shared together. I will always carry them in my heart."I want to thank the club for trusting me from the first moment, all the staff who helped me grow as a footballer and a person, and all my team‐mates who took me in from day one like the big family we are."We shared unforgettable moments. I'm leaving, but I'm taking away much more than football. I take with me friendships, lessons and people who will be part of my life forever. I also want to thank Navarra and Pamplona for the way they welcomed me from the first day.Article continues below"You made me feel at home and it's something I could never thank you enough for. This city will always have a special place in my heart. Lastly, thanks to all the fans for your support and for making me feel at home from the first day."Content cannot be displayed without consent