Spain international could miss the remainder of the club season after limping off against Valencia, with concern now turning towards the upcoming World Cup
Athletic Club and Spain are anxiously awaiting medical results after Nico Williams suffered a potentially serious hamstring injury during Thursday’s match against Valencia.
The Spain international was forced off before half time after pulling up with discomfort in his left leg, immediately raising fears over both the end of his domestic campaign and his availability for the World Cup next month.
Initial concern inside the Athletic camp is significant, with the winger set to undergo an MRI scan to determine the exact nature and severity of the problem.
The timing could hardly be worse for Williams, who had only recently begun feeling physically comfortable again after battling a persistent groin issue for much of the season.
According to reports in Spain, there is already a growing feeling within the club that Williams may not play again for Athletic this season. With only two weeks remaining in the LaLiga campaign, recovery time appears extremely limited even if the injury proves less severe than initially feared.
The bigger concern now centres on Spain’s preparations for the World Cup.
Luis de la Fuente’s coaching and medical staff are expected to remain in constant communication with Athletic Club as they monitor Williams’ recovery process ahead of the tournament, which begins next month.
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Williams has become one of Spain’s most important attacking players under De la Fuente thanks to his pace, direct dribbling and ability to stretch defences in transition.
Iñaki Williams admits concern over brother’s condition
Athletic captain Iñaki Williams admitted after the match that the injury looked worrying, particularly given his brother’s reaction to the pain.
“He was limping a lot. He hadn’t felt that type of pain before,” Iñaki Williams said.
“It’s concerning considering the moment we are right now. Let’s wait and hope for the best possible scenario.”
The injury is especially frustrating for Nico Williams after a season in which he has repeatedly attempted to manage physical problems while remaining available for club and country.
The 23-year-old winger has recorded six goals and four assists in 26 league games so far this season but hasn’t featured for the national team since the September international break.
Spain’s first game in the upcoming World Cup is set to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 15 against Cape Verde.
