Víctor Muñoz
LIV
Right Winger
Left Winger
One-v-One Creator
Jul 13, 2003 (23)
Right
5'8"
154 lb
Ruled out against Brighton
Munoz (knee) has been left out of Liverpool's matchday squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton as he continues to recover from a knee injury.
Analysis: Munoz remains sidelined after failing to recover from the knee issue he sustained against Brentford, which also forced him to miss Tuesday's Champions League victory over Villarreal. The Spanish winger has been dealing with persistent discomfort despite completing the match against Brentford, and his absence against Brighton suggests he is still not ready to return to competitive action. Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo have been selected to start on the wing. Munoz's availability for Liverpool's upcoming fixtures remains uncertain.
Doubtful for Brighton match
Munoz (knee) remains doubtful for Sunday's Premier League clash against Brighton after missing Tuesday's Champions League victory over Villarreal due to a knock sustained against Brentford, according to coach Andoni Iraola. "Victor, he has the knock he received against Brentford [in the] first half. He could finish the game very well. But he's dealing with some pain since then and it was too early the other day against Villarreal. I don't know if he's going to arrive. I think it's going to be difficult but I really don't know."
Analysis: Munoz continues to deal with discomfort in his right knee after playing through the issue during Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Brentford. The Spanish winger subsequently missed Monday's training session and Tuesday's Champions League clash against Villarreal, with his recovery progressing slowly enough to leave his availability against Brighton in serious doubt. Although the injury did not prevent him from completing the Brentford match, he has yet to be confirmed fit for competitive action. Rio Ngumoha could benefit from additional opportunities on the right wing if Munoz remains unavailable, while the extent of the injury and a definitive return timeline remain unclear.
Dealing with possible knee issue
Munoz (knee) missed Monday's training session before being ruled out of Tuesday's Champions League clash against Villarreal due to a right knee problem, having previously played with strapping around the affected knee against Brentford, according to The Standard.
Analysis: Munoz appears to have picked up a right knee issue after playing with strapping against Brentford, forcing him to miss Monday's training session and Tuesday's Champions League clash against Villarreal. The severity of the injury remains unclear, leaving his availability for Sunday's Premier League meeting with Brighton uncertain. Rio Ngumoha could see increased playing time on the right wing if the Spaniard remains unavailable, while Munoz will hope to resume training before the weekend fixture.
Not playing vs. Villarreal
Munoz (undisclosed) is not in the squad for Tuesday's UCL match against Villarreal.
Analysis: Munoz was absent from training Monday, and while it's unclear whether the injury is severe or Liverpool are just making sure things don't get more complicated, the reality is that the Spaniard won't be an option off the bench for this contest. Munoz will aim to recover to be an option when Liverpool take on Brighton on Sunday in the Premier League.
Absent from training Monday
Munoz was absent from training Monday due to an undisclosed injury, Ian Doyle of The Liverpool Echo reports.
Analysis: Munoz received treatment twice during Saturday's 2-1 win over Brentford, a game in which he scored the equalizer, and this absence doesn't bode well for his chances of playing Tuesday. A final call on his status will be made closer to Tuesday's 3 p.m. ET kickoff, though if the trio of Alexander Isak, Cody Gakpo and Bradley Barcola are available, Munoz would likely start the game on the bench anyway.
Scores in win over Brentford
Munoz scored one goal to go with three shots (two on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Saturday's 2-1 victory against Brentford.
Analysis: Munoz found the back of the net 16 minutes into the second half with a run down the right flank and a cut inside, beating Caomhin Kelleher with a low shot. The Spanish winger has two goals in seven EPL appearances this term, but he's been in and out of the starting XI, so that limits his fantasy appeal considerably -- especially since he competes with Cody Gakpo and Bradley Barcola for playing time.
Struggles on the wing
Munoz recorded two shots (one on goal) and one cross (zero accurate) in Sunday's 3-0 defeat versus Manchester City.
Analysis: Munoz was uninvolved for the most part throughout Sunday's loss. He just didn't look nearly as dangerous as Cody Gakpo tends to look off the wing. Munoz still has some upside especially against more manageable opponents, but this was a very difficult clash. Munoz's next chance to shine is a trip to LASK on Wednesday.
Settles into substitute role
Munoz has primarily operated off the bench since Bradley Barcola's arrival, making five Premier League appearances this season.
Analysis: Munoz has seen his starting opportunities reduced with Bradley Barcola preferred on the left wing and Cody Gakpo on the right. However, his energy and ability to take on defenders make him a useful option off the bench, while he has contributed one goal, seven shots, two chances created and eight crosses across five league appearances. Munoz should remain regularly involved as an attacking substitute and could earn additional starts through rotation.
Quiet for draw
Munoz generated one shot (one on goal) in Saturday's 0-0 draw against Fulham.
Analysis: Munoz has been electric to start his time in Liverpool, but he failed to impress Saturday. He was his usual pacey, high-energy self, but it wasn't really enough without end product. Physical center-backs in the Premier League seem to be able to impose their will on Munoz far too often, which can lead to him falling out of contention in some matches.
Equalizes brilliantly
Munoz scored one goal to go with four shots (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 2-2 draw versus Nottingham Forest. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 54th minute.
Analysis: Munoz continued his bright start to life in Liverpool with a brilliant turn and finish Saturday. He took a pass from Florian Wirtz, controlled brilliantly and finished with aplomb off the bottom of the bar. The winger has seemingly put himself in the top spot for the starting job on the right wing, looking brilliant in his first two appearances.
Draws penalty off bench
Munoz recorded two shots (zero on goal) and four crosses (two accurate) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Newcastle United.
Analysis: Munoz came off the bench during Sunday's draw and was an immediate injection of pace. The winger ended up drawing a penalty in stoppage time that proved crucial for the draw. It's possible that his performance did enough to earn him a chance in the starting XI against Nottingham Forest as Rio Ngumoha struggled.
Could earn starting role
Munoz could be in contention for a starting winger role at Liverpool under coach Andoni Iraola after a strong preseason stretch, according to Diario AS. The attacker recently made his first appearance for the club in a friendly against Monaco.
Analysis: Munoz heads into his first Premier League season as an exciting new signing after recording six goals and two assists over 34 La Liga appearances for Osasuna in the 2025/26 campaign. His solid offseason impressions point to a potentially larger role for Munoz as soon as he settles into Liverpool's setup, although he's not the squad's only option and might share playing time with Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha. Any move toward the starting lineup would improve his fantasy upside, though no formal lineup decision has been made regarding his involvement in upcoming weeks.
Plays first Liverpool minutes
Munoz came on in the 59th minute of Sunday's friendly against Monaco, playing his first minutes with Liverpool, the club announced.
Analysis: Munoz cut short his post-World Cup holiday to join Liverpool's preseason group early after arriving from Osasuna this summer, though he did not feature for Spain during the tournament. His versatility and directness on the ball give him a path to minutes even if he initially serves in a depth role, and his preseason debut marks an important first step in his integration with the squad. Munoz is expected to continue building toward a larger role in Liverpool's rotation as preseason draws to a close.
Set to return next week
Munoz will return to Liverpool's training facility next week after cutting short his post-World Cup holiday, according to coach Andoni Iraola, per Liverpool Echo. "He comes next week. We spoke to him and he wanted also to come a little bit earlier than the three weeks that they have the right to have, because obviously he is coming to a new club, he will need some time to adapt, to meet his teammates"
Analysis: Munoz was part of Spain's World Cup squad but did not feature a single minute during the tournament, arriving at Liverpool this summer in a move from Osasuna after previously coming through Barcelona's academy and a stint at Real Madrid. His versatility and directness on the ball give him a path to minutes even in a depth role early on, and he is expected to compete for a larger part in the rotation once fully integrated. Munoz is expected to begin training with the group as soon as he arrives at the AXA Training Centre.
Bench role against Austria
Munoz (strain) is on the bench for Thusday's clash against Austria.
Analysis: Munoz is on the bench for Thursday's match against Austria after returning to full training this week. The attacker is available for the first time at the 2026 World Cup, though a substitute appearance appears to be his most likely path to minutes given his lack of recent match action and limited experience at this level.
Fit to face Austria
Munoz (strain) is an option for Thursday's match against Austria, according to manager Luis de la Fuente, per Juan Ignacio Lechuga of El Desmarque. "He has trained normally, but he hasn't competed in a while, so we'll see-it depends on how the match is going."
Analysis: Munoz is an option for Spain for the first time at the 2026 World Cup, heading into Thursday's match, as the attacker will be picked to serve on the bench. The question is whether he will see time or not, as he has yet to play in the tournament and is a less experienced option at this level. If he were to see time, it would likely be near the end of the match if Spain is in control.
Completes training Tuesday
Munoz (strain) trained fully with the group during Tuesday's practice ahead of the World Cup round of 32 matchup versus Austria, Diario de Navarra reports.
Analysis: Munoz is in the final stretch of his recovery from a muscular setback that forced him to miss all group-stage games. While the winger could see minutes in the knockout stages, he's likely to come off the bench initially, offering an alternative to Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Alex Baena on the wings. Having recently secured a deal with Liverpool, Munoz will be motivated to show his talent at the international level and could rack up offensive stats if given time on the field for one of the big tournament favorites at the World Cup.
Optimistic on return
Munoz (strain) is expected to be monitored closely as he remains questionable for the R32 match vs Austria. According to head coach Luis de la Fuente, "Victor has had a small muscular problem (oedema) in another area. It is not a relapse. He's also experienced a lot of emotions and a lot of tension these last few weeks that may have stressed him out. Now he needs calm and tranquillity, and I'm sure we'll see the Victor we know again. We're working on it. Mark my words, Victor is going to be very important for us in this World Cup" via the Liverpool Echo.
Analysis: Munoz has yet to make his 2026 World Cup debut as he continues recovering from a muscle strain, though manager Luis de la Fuente remains optimistic that the winger will return at some point during the tournament, with the timing dependent on how far Spain advances. For now, Alex Baena and Gavi have filled his role in the attack, but Munoz's eventual return would provide a significant boost to an already deep and dynamic Spanish frontline as they move through the knockout rounds.
Won't face Uruguay
Munoz (strain) is out for Friday's match against Uruguay, according to Naveen Ullal of Sport Witness.
Analysis: Munoz is still in treatment as Spain approaches their final group stage match, leaving him out for their first three games of the tournament. This is unfortunate for the new Liverpool signing, as he will likely find it hard to earn time as Spain heads into the knockouts. He could still make a bench appearance in the knockouts, although the team is unlikely to risk him much if his injury issues don't go away.
Sidelined again with injury setback
Munoz suffered a new muscle injury during recovery with Spain and will miss the Saudi Arabia game and likely more matches, with hopes of returning for the knockout stages, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: Munoz returned to full group training with the national team just a week ago, but it was announced yesterday that the future Liverpool man has had to stop again due to a muscle injury, with medical tests carried out today as the situation is monitored day by day. The Catalan winger felt renewed discomfort in the same area that troubled him at the end of La Liga, where he was diagnosed on May 18 with a small edema in the rectus of his right leg, an issue that was considered minor and not seen as a threat to his World Cup involvement. He was actually thought to have the most favorable recovery outlook of the three players who joined Spain's squad with muscular concerns, alongside Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, but the opposite has proven true, and he now finds himself sidelined again with the tournament already underway. No firm timeline has been set, but Spain hope to have his explosiveness available for the knockout rounds if they advance.
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