Liverpool hit with Victor Munoz setback as new signing reaches World Cup semis

Spain has booked its place in the semifinal of the World Cup against France next week, meaning that a Victor Munoz meeting with his Liverpool teammates will be pushed back again. Liverpool made the 22-year-old winger its first signing of the summer, spending $45 million to acquire him from Osasuna, while previously being at Real Madrid. Munoz is expected to be a replacement for Luis Diaz, as the club did not sign a left-winger after selling him to Bayern Munich. Munoz is in Spain's World Cup squad, but has yet to play a minute. His time away at the World Cup has pushed his Anfield arrival back, meaning he's expected to be involved in just one preseason game for Andoni Iraola's team as of now. Munoz is not expected to join up with Liverpool's preseason tour in the United States, with a game scheduled for one week after the World Cup final. The winger is more likely to make the trip over to Liverpool in early August, potentially being involved in their game against Como at Anfield. Liverpool have not just lost Luis Diaz in the past 12 months, with Mohamed Salah also leaving as a free agent. The club also dealt with the impact of Diogo Jota's tragic death in a car crash last summer both on and off the pitch. The Reds have Rio Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Munoz as options down the flanks, meaning they'll very much need the Spaniard this season. Iraola's team has been linked with a number of wingers, including Yan Diomande, Yankuba Minteh and Bradley Barcola. They had made a bid for Diomande, before it was reported he would prefer a move to PSG. Barcola is a player who could see his minutes decrease should PSG sign Diomande, making a move for him slightly more realistic. Liverpool fans have made themselves clear that they'd like to see a number of more additions through the door, needing to improve on a roster that finished fifth in the Premier League last season. Liverpool.com says: "With Victor Munoz playing so little for Spain, it would not be a surprise to see him return to Liverpool much earlier than expected. He will want to make a good first impression at the club, while having the opportunity to nail down a starting spot. "Indications point towards Rio Nguomha being moved to the right as a potential long-term replacement for Mohamed Salah. This would open up a starting spot for Munoz amid Cody Gakpo's recent dip in form at club level."