Major blow for Spain as Euro winner suffers injury just weeks before World Cup | OneFootball

Spain have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Nico Williams suffered a hamstring injury during Athletic Bilbao’s 1-0 home loss to Valencia on Sunday.

The 23-year-old hobbled off the pitch just eight minutes before half-time, with his brother Inaki Williams replacing him.

The extent of the forward’s injury is unclear, but he looked devastated as he left the pitch.

Williams has been a key first-team player for Bilbao this season, bagging six goals and four assists in 25 La Liga appearances.

Spain will be sweating on the winger’s fitness just weeks before the World Cup starts.

Williams played a pivotal role in helping La Roja win the European Championship in 2024. He started six matches and scored in the final against England in Berlin.

He has earned 30 caps for the national side, scoring six goals.

Spain were previously dealt an injury concern after Lamine Yamal sustained a hamstring injury last month.

Yamal was forced to leave the pitch during Barcelona’s 1-0 win against Celta Vigo in April.

The 18-year-old will not play again for the Catalan club this season, but Spain are confident he will recover in time for the World Cup.