Spanish forward Nico Williams is anticipated to recover in time for the World Cup this summer, despite a hamstring injury that will cut short his club season with Athletic Club.
The 23-year-old, a standout performer in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, was substituted in the first half of Athletic’s 1-0 home loss to Valencia on Sunday due to a left hamstring problem. He left the pitch with medical staff, showing visible distress, and was replaced by his older brother Inaki.
However, sources close to the player have indicated that the injury is not as severe as initially feared. Medical assessments suggest Williams will be sidelined for approximately three weeks, which would rule him out of Athletic’s remaining La Liga fixtures against Espanyol, Celta, and Real Madrid, but would leave him fit for Spain’s World Cup campaign.
Athletic Club confirmed in a statement that Williams suffered a “moderate hamstring strain in his left leg” and will be monitored closely.
This season has been marred by injuries for Williams. He missed nearly a month with a groin issue in early September and then spent over seven weeks on the sidelines with a sports hernia from February. Despite this, he has still managed six goals and three assists in 25 league appearances.
Williams signed a lucrative 10-year contract with his boyhood club last summer, turning down interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Athletic, currently sitting comfortably in mid-table, have little at stake in the season’s final weeks.
Spain, the 2010 world champions, are among the favorites for this summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. They begin their Group stage campaign against debutants Cape Verde on June 15, followed by matches against Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. A warm-up friendly against Peru is scheduled for June 9.