Liverpool XI vs Monaco: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup, injury latest for pre-season friendly | OneFootball

Summer signing raring to go after cutting short his post-World Cup holiday

Munoz was the first signing of the Andoni Iraola era as his £34.5million move from Osasuna was finalised before the World Cup, though Spain going all the way in North America has delayed the winger’s involvement for Liverpool.

Despite not making a single appearance for La Roja after battling an injury early in the tournament, the 23-year-old was entitled to the mandatory three-week holiday for players involved at the finals, which would have seen him arrive to begin his Liverpool career after the Monaco game.

However, Munoz has decided to forego the latter part of that break in order to hit the ground running. He trained for the first time on Wednesday and insists he is ready to make an immediate impact.

“Well, I think I’m ready,” Munoz said. “Obviously if the coach says so after training and asks me to feature in the starting XI, I’ll be there.

“I’m keen and I can’t wait to get started. [Against] Monaco, why not?”

Munoz’s lack of involvement at the World Cup means he should be relatively fresh, so a start is possible even if it’s highly unlikely that he will play the full 90 minutes on his Anfield bow.

Alisson Becker started his pre-season on Tuesday following his participation at the World Cup with Brazil and should get at least a half under his belt. The same applies to Dutch pair Virgil van Dijk and Cody Gakpo - who has been linked with a move to Tottenham.

Fellow summer arrival Jeremy Jacquet is still awaiting his first Liverpool appearance after picking up a knock during the USA tour, youngster Ifeanyi Ndukwe is on standby to partner Van Dijk in central defence if the Frenchman is ruled out.

Jeremie Frimpong is a doubt after requesting to be substituted in the 4-2 loss against Leeds, though Iraola said it was a precaution.

Such was Liverpool’s first-half dominance against Leeds, the impressive Trey Nyoni should get the nod over Ryan Gravenberch in central midfield, partnering Dominik Szoboszlai as Florian Wirtz continues in the No10 role behind Alexander Isak.

Alexis Mac Allister is due back next week after his World Cup break, while Hugo Ekitike, Joe Gomez, Giovanni Leoni and Conor Bradley are all missing through injury.