Spain have been handed a fitness boost as Liverpoolâs new signing, Victor Munoz, has begun training outdoors â and his manager has provided a telling update.
For Liverpool supporters hoping to watch Munoz play for Spain, the news of a small muscle injury shortly after his signing announcement was disappointing.
However, he is likely to still play a part in the World Cup, with Thursdayâs edition of Mundo Deportivo explaining that he has taken âa step closerâ to full training.
An article in the Spanish newspaper said: âThe dayâs (Wednesdayâs) main development was Victor Munoz.
âThe winger, recently signed by Liverpool, continued advancing in his recovery and worked outside the group on training pitch two.
âThe ex-Osasuna player did sprints and exercises with changes of rhythm, taking a step closer to the team.
âHowever, the technical staff maintained the expectation that he would not be available against Uruguay.â
This followed a report from AS that outlined how keen the team are to keep him close to the action.
âHe was finally seen warming up with the group for the first time followed by some ball work,â wrote journalist Juan Jimenez.
âIt was significant to see Victor with Javier Lopez Vallejo, the national team psychologist, who shows him affection just like the rest of his teammates.
âThe group have been keen to be close to Victor. This Tuesday, he was seen having lunch with Joan Garcia, Pedri, and Pau Cubarsi.
âThe goal is for the new Liverpool winger to rejoin the group as soon as possible.â
Luis de la Fuente says Victor Munoz will âbe very importantâ
Despite Munoz having spent the season at Osasuna, who only avoided relegation from La Liga on goal difference, Munozâs performances warranted a Seleccion debut in March.
He scored in that 3-0 friendly win over Serbia and subsequently played 45 minutes against Egypt, working his way into De la Fuenteâs World Cup squad.
âVictor has had a small muscular problem (oedema) in another area. It is not a relapse,â the coach explained on Saturday.
âHeâs also experienced a lot of emotions and a lot of tension these last few weeks that may have stressed him out.
âNow he needs calm and tranquillity, and Iâm sure weâll see the Victor we know again. Weâre working on it.
âMark my words, Victor is going to be very important for us in this World Cup.â
The 22-year-old is not available for the final group match against Uruguay, but Spain are expected to go deep in the tournament, allowing him time to recover before making an impact from the bench.
For Liverpool supporters hoping to watch Munoz play for Spain, the news of a small muscle injury shortly after his signing announcement was disappointing.
However, he is likely to still play a part in the World Cup, with Thursdayâs edition of Mundo Deportivo explaining that he has taken âa step closerâ to full training.
An article in the Spanish newspaper said: âThe dayâs (Wednesdayâs) main development was Victor Munoz.
âThe winger, recently signed by Liverpool, continued advancing in his recovery and worked outside the group on training pitch two.
âThe ex-Osasuna player did sprints and exercises with changes of rhythm, taking a step closer to the team.
âHowever, the technical staff maintained the expectation that he would not be available against Uruguay.â
This followed a report from AS that outlined how keen the team are to keep him close to the action.
âHe was finally seen warming up with the group for the first time followed by some ball work,â wrote journalist Juan Jimenez.
âIt was significant to see Victor with Javier Lopez Vallejo, the national team psychologist, who shows him affection just like the rest of his teammates.
âThe group have been keen to be close to Victor. This Tuesday, he was seen having lunch with Joan Garcia, Pedri, and Pau Cubarsi.
âThe goal is for the new Liverpool winger to rejoin the group as soon as possible.â
Luis de la Fuente says Victor Munoz will âbe very importantâ
Despite Munoz having spent the season at Osasuna, who only avoided relegation from La Liga on goal difference, Munozâs performances warranted a Seleccion debut in March.
He scored in that 3-0 friendly win over Serbia and subsequently played 45 minutes against Egypt, working his way into De la Fuenteâs World Cup squad.
âVictor has had a small muscular problem (oedema) in another area. It is not a relapse,â the coach explained on Saturday.
âHeâs also experienced a lot of emotions and a lot of tension these last few weeks that may have stressed him out.
âNow he needs calm and tranquillity, and Iâm sure weâll see the Victor we know again. Weâre working on it.
âMark my words, Victor is going to be very important for us in this World Cup.â
The 22-year-old is not available for the final group match against Uruguay, but Spain are expected to go deep in the tournament, allowing him time to recover before making an impact from the bench.
