Nico Williams
ATHExpected back for World Cup opener
Williams (hamstring) was cleared of any serious damage following Monday's medical examinations, with an MRI ruling out a tendon lesion and confirming an absence of two to three weeks, putting him on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde, according to Marca.
Analysis: Williams had come off in the 35th minute of Sunday's clash against Valencia amid fears of a significant hamstring injury, but the results of further testing have provided a considerably more optimistic picture than initially feared. The winger will follow a progressive and rigorous rehabilitation program over the coming weeks, with the timeline suggesting he could be ready for Spain's first group stage match, though the coaching staff will not take any unnecessary risks with his fitness. Coach Luis De la Fuente had been prepared to wait until the second or third group stage fixture if needed, but the medical update opens the door for an earlier return. The ruling out of any tendon damage was the key concern for both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team following Sunday's exit, and the positive diagnosis is a major relief heading into the summer tournament.
Picks up worrying injury
Williams was forced off the field in the 36th minute of Sunday's match against Valencia due to an apparent serious hamstring injury, his brother Inaki stated, per Javier Beltran of AS Diario. "The injury is a little questionable, for the moment in which it is, it was sweet, returning to its level. Now, let's cross our fingers and make it as little as possible. The [messed] up thing is that he leaves us without him these days, he is also close to the World Cup, but the hard thing is that we can't count on him in the last games. I have talked just enough with him, it is not the time to overwhelm him, and he will have many things on his mind. He was pretty lame, he said he had never felt such pain."
Analysis: Williams is worrying numerous fans around the Spanish National Team after his exit Sunday, coming off ahead of halftime due to an injury. With the World Cup just a few weeks away, this is a major storyline to watch for the player, as he broke out with Spain at Euro 2024 and might not be involved now if the injury is deemed serious, which appears to be the initial case. However, there is still some time to recover, and he has yet to be tested for further injury, so nothing is confirmed yet.
Involved in three goals in win
Williams scored two goals and assisted once from four shots and one chance created in Saturday's 4-2 victory against Deportivo Alaves. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 76th minute.
Analysis: Williams was credited with the assist in Robert Navarro's goal early in the second half, but he'd later find the back of the net twice -- right when the team needed him the most. Williams gave Athletic a 3-2 lead with a clever finish after a one-two with Gorka Guruzeta in the 83rd minute, and he'd later close things out with a chipped finish four minutes later. This was Williams' first two-goal performance of the season, and he has nine goal contributions (G6, A3) in the 2025/26 Liga campaign.
Active in final third in win
Williams recorded one shot (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 1-0 win versus Osasuna.
Analysis: Williams wasn't credited with the assist on Gorka Guruzeta's goal, but there's no question that he was the architect of that sequence with one of his trademark runs on the left wing. Williams has a solid floor on offense due to his creativity-based numbers, but he would have far more fantasy upside if he were able to score or assist regularly. He hasn't scored a goal in league play since January, and he hasn't delivered an assist since December. Furthermore, he hasn't recorded a goal contribution since returning to the squad three games following his latest injury setback -- a groin injury that sidelined him for six matches between Feb. 15 and April 5.
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