Nico Williams a major doubt for Sporting as Valverde questions his fitness | OneFootball

Nico Williams is a major doubt for Athletic’s Champions League 'final' against Sporting on Wednesday at 21:00, with a place in the top-24 and the play-off on the line.

The winger is still troubled by a pubic issue and did not train on Monday. According to El Correo, Ernesto Valverde said he does not see him ready after watching him the other day and does not think he will make it. Williams will test himself at 18:00, with the squad list due later in the evening.

Renewed last summer until 2035 on the longest contract in Europe, Williams has managed only three Champions outings, 187 minutes in total. He started and was withdrawn on 65 in the 3-1 win over Qarabag, came on for the final half hour in Praga’s 0-0, and completed the draw with PSG. He has not registered a shot on target in the competition.

Persistent discomfort has checked his rhythm, despite four goals and five assists across Liga and Copa. He has already missed four Champions fixtures and four in the league, plus the Supercopa despite travelling to Saudi Arabia.

Aymeric Laporte is also almost certain to miss out, having only just returned to training after a thigh problem that has sidelined him since early December. It remains early for a return, and Wednesday would be the 10th match he has missed. There is hope he will be back for Sunday’s derby at San Mamés against Real Sociedad.

There are also issues for Vivián amid a punishing schedule, and Jauregizar is suspended after yellow-card accumulation. Should Vivián sit out, Yuri could shift inside, with Adama or Lekue at left-back.

Source: El Correo