Nico Williams’ torrid year as World Cup hopes hit by injury | OneFootball

Nico Williams’ World Cup has unravelled, the Athletic winger limited to 46 minutes then injured against Uruguay. According to El Correo, the muscle problem could sideline him for at least two weeks, so any return would hinge on Spain reaching the semi-finals.

Two years ago he lit up Spain’s Euros win in Germany, playing 565 minutes, scoring twice including in the final, and supplying an assist. Barcelona twice tried to sign him as his value hit 70 million, with Bayern Munich interested.

This tournament’s low ebb came with a tackle from behind by Nicolás de la Cruz, punished only with a yellow card. Williams later said the challenge was needless and avoidable.

A stubborn pubalgia, treated without surgery, has dogged him since spring 2025. He missed matches including the Europa League semi-final second leg at Manchester United, then a left adductor issue in Spain’s 0-6 win in Türkiye led to two months of specific recovery.

A further muscle issue cost him Athletic’s final five league games and he joined Spain without full medical clearance. Luis de la Fuente planned to build him up across a long tournament, but Williams has only managed cameos of three, 29 and 14 minutes.

Spain are stretched out wide, with only Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena fully fit. Víctor Muñoz will miss Austria, while Yeremy Pino has a left shoulder sprain and faces at least two weeks out, though a pain-killing injection could yet speed his return, an option not considered for Williams.

Source: El Correo