Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams has suffered a moderate hamstring strain, but the injury is not as severe as initially feared. The 23-year-old was forced off in the 36th minute of Sunday's 1-0 defeat to Valencia, sparking concerns over his availability for Spain's World Cup campaign this summer.
According to the club, Williams sustained a "moderate elongation" in his left leg. Further reports from The Athletic indicate he will be sidelined for approximately three weeks, ruling him out of Athletic Bilbao's remaining three Liga matches: against Espanyol Barcelona, Celta Vigo, and Real Madrid. However, the prognosis suggests he should be fully recovered in time for the World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.
This season has been a challenging one for Williams. He has managed just 25 appearances in La Liga, scoring six goals and providing three assists. His campaign was interrupted earlier by a groin injury and later a hernia issue. Despite these setbacks, he remains a key figure for the Basque club and a regular for the Spanish national team, having started for La Roja during Euro 2024.
The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Athletic Bilbao as they finish their league campaign. With European qualification still a possibility, losing their dynamic winger for the final stretch is a significant blow. Athletic sit mid-table but could have used Williams' pace and creativity to push for a higher finish.
For Spain, the news brings a measure of relief. Williams is expected to be part of Luis de la Fuente's squad for the World Cup, and his recovery timeline aligns with the team's preparation friendlies against Iraq on June 4 and Peru on June 9. The Spanish coaching staff will monitor his progress closely, hopeful that he can regain match fitness before the tournament begins.
Williams' absence from Athletic's final games also opens the door for other players to step up. Youngsters like Oihan Sancet or Álex Berenguer may see increased minutes, but replacing Williams' direct running and ability to beat defenders is no easy task. Athletic will have to adapt their attacking approach without their star winger.
The injury serves as a reminder of the physical demands on modern footballers, especially those like Williams who rely on explosive movements. His hamstring issue is a common ailment among wingers, and careful management will be critical to ensure he is 100% ready for Spain's World Cup opener.
Overall, while Athletic Bilbao will miss him in the short term, the bigger picture is positive: Nico Williams should be fit and firing for the World Cup. Spanish fans will be hoping he can replicate his Euro 2024 form on the global stage, providing width and unpredictability in attack.
Based on reporting from L'Equipe.
