How Athletic’s three internationals head into the World Cup | OneFootball

Athletic will send three Spain internationals to the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico from 11 June. Only Unai Simón has had a consistent year, while Aymeric Laporte and Nico Williams have missed large chunks through injury.

According to El Correo, Luis de la Fuente has called up Simón, Laporte and Nico as Spain chase a repeat of the 2010 triumph. A Ghana decision on Iñaki Williams is due next Monday.

Simón started 46 of Athletic’s 52 matches, including 37 in the league and eight in the Champions. Despite the odd error he is trusted, and his 57 caps, a club record, could pass 60 if nothing goes awry.

Laporte, the only left-footed centre-back, saw his registration after leaving Al-Nassr finalised on 11 September, then a muscle injury sidelined him for over two months. He missed the first four league games and another 12 with a left hamstring issue, sitting out 22 of 52 overall. He has 43 caps, four as an Athletic player, which will rise at the World Cup.

De la Fuente signalled he would wait for Nico and even take him short of full fitness, saying he could be ready for the first game, or the second or third. His season was hindered by a September injury with Spain in Türkiye, pubalgia from late 2024-2025 and a later left hamstring issue. He missed 20 of 52 games and his form lagged behind a 30-cap international, though his World Cup place was never in doubt.

Source: El Correo