It’s a familiar headache for Liverpool FC, and this time it involves their latest high-profile recruit. The club has been handed an immediate injury blow after announcing the signing of Spanish winger Victor Munoz, who is now ruled out of upcoming fixtures due to a muscle issue.
The news breaks just as the Reds finalize what many see as a cornerstone signing for the 2026/27 season. Munoz, 22, was expected to bring fresh energy to Anfield, but instead, he faces a medical delay that echoes recent frustrations for manager Arne Slot. It’s not just bad luck; it feels like a pattern emerging from the transfer window.
The Munoz Situation: A Costly Start?
According to reports from Anfield Watch, Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes activated a €40 million release clause to secure Munoz from Osasuna. The deal, structured in two installments, sees Real Madrid receiving half the fee—a reminder that Munoz previously moved to Osasuna from the Spanish giants in 2025 before they opted not to exercise a buyback option.
Here’s the twist: barely had the ink dried on his six-year contract when Munoz suffered an “additional muscle injury.” He won’t play in the match scheduled for Sunday, June 21. While the exact nature of the strain isn’t fully detailed, the timing is suspicious enough to raise eyebrows. Fans are already asking if this is another example of the so-called “new signing injury curse” that seems to plague the club during international breaks.
A Broader Pattern of Setbacks
Munoz isn’t alone in facing fitness hurdles. The club’s injury list reads like a roll call of potential disappointments. Defender Jeremy Jacquet, who agreed to a massive transfer from Stade Rennais, ended his previous season prematurely with a serious shoulder injury against Lens in February.
Reports vary on the final cost—Liverpool.com cites $82 million, while FourFourTwo suggests £60 million—but the medical outlook is cautiously optimistic. Citing The Athletic, sources indicate Jacquet’s rehabilitation is progressing well, and he should be ready for pre-season training in early July. Still, losing a new defender right as you’re building a squad for next season is never ideal.
Then there’s Hugo Ekitike. The forward ruptured his Achilles tendon during a Champions League defeat by Paris Saint-Germain on April 14. Liverpool’s official site confirms he will miss the remainder of the 2025-26 club season and France’s World Cup campaign. He’s not expected to play again until the following year. That’s a long recovery timeline for a player brought in to add depth up front.
What Slot Is Facing
Head coach Arne Slot has publicly acknowledged the severity of these setbacks. Social media snippets highlight headlines stating Slot confirmed a “huge injury blow” immediately after a transfer announcement. While the specific details of that particular incident remain vague, the sentiment is clear: the manager is dealing with a depleted pool of options.
Compounding the issue, center-back Ibrahima Konate was forced off at half-time during an international break fixture, adding another question mark over his availability. Meanwhile, midfielder Stefan Bajcetic has yet to play a single minute in the 2025-26 season due to ongoing injury issues. When you combine these absences with Munoz’s latest setback, the physical toll on the squad becomes evident.
Why This Matters for Liverpool
Injuries aren’t just about missing games; they affect team morale, tactical flexibility, and financial return on investment. Spending tens of millions on players who can’t train or play is a significant risk. For Liverpool, who are competing on multiple fronts, every absent body counts. The “curse” narrative might be sensationalist, but the data supports a trend of high-value signings encountering fitness problems shortly after joining.
As the summer transfer window closes and pre-season approaches, the medical staff’s workload will be critical. Can Jacquet recover in time? Will Munoz shake off his muscle issue before the league starts? And how will Slot adapt his tactics without key defenders and forwards? These are the questions keeping fans awake at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Victor Munoz expected to return?
Munoz is currently ruled out of the match on Sunday, June 21. While no specific return date has been given, muscle injuries typically require a few weeks of rest and rehabilitation. His availability for the start of the 2026/27 season remains uncertain until further medical assessments are completed.
How much did Liverpool pay for Victor Munoz?
Liverpool activated a €40 million release clause to sign Munoz from Osasuna. The payment is split into two installments. Notably, Real Madrid is set to receive half of this total amount due to a previous agreement regarding the player's transfer history.
Is Jeremy Jacquet fit for pre-season?
Yes, reports suggest Jacquet is making good progress. Despite suffering a serious shoulder injury in February, The Athletic indicates his rehabilitation is on track. He is predicted to be fit when the squad reconvenes for training in early July, allowing him to participate in full pre-season preparations.
Will Hugo Ekitike play in the 2025-26 season?
No, Ekitike will miss the entire remainder of the 2025-26 club season. He ruptured his Achilles tendon in April and is also sidelined for France’s World Cup campaign. The club does not expect him to return until the following season, making his current absence long-term.
Who else is injured in the Liverpool squad?
Besides Munoz, Jacquet, and Ekitike, Stefan Bajcetic has not played any minutes in the 2025-26 season due to injury. Additionally, Ibrahima Konate was forced off during an international break match, raising concerns about his fitness. No players are currently suspended, meaning all absences are injury-related.