Nico Williams Expected to Recover in Time for World Cup After Hamstring Injury

Standout Spanish winger Nico Williams is anticipated to be available for the World Cup next month, despite leaving Athletic Club’s 1-0 loss to Valencia on Sunday with a hamstring injury, according to a report from The Athletic.

Williams appeared visibly distressed as he exited the pitch following his injury. However, The Athletic reported that he is expected to be sidelined for approximately three weeks.

The Bilbao-based club issued a statement confirming that Williams sustained a “moderate hamstring strain in his left leg,” and the report mentions he will miss Athletic Club’s three remaining regular-season games.

He has three weeks for recovery before Spain’s first World Cup tuneup friendly against Iraq on June 4. Spain’s World Cup opener is set for June 15 against Cape Verde in Group H play.

Spain, which clinched its first World Cup title in 2010, is one of the frontrunners for this summer’s historic 48-team World Cup in North America. Currently, the Spanish team stands second in the FIFA/Coca Cola World Rankings, trailing only France.

Williams, 23, made his debut for the Spanish senior national team in September 2022 at just 20 years old. He has scored six goals in 30 caps, including two during Spain’s successful run to the 2024 UEFA Euro championship.

This season, he has recorded six goals and seven assists in 32 games for Athletic Club.

Additionally, Spain is facing concerns regarding midfielder Lamine Yamal, who suffered a torn hamstring last month while competing for Barcelona.