World Cup in Jeopardy: Spain’s Nico Williams Faces Groin-setback

Injury update for Nico Williams

Spain's national team faces the risk of losing Nico Williams, Athletic Bilbao's star, ahead of the World Cup set for next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to Marca, Williams' fitness has become a major concern for Athletic Bilbao, as the Spanish international is far from his peak form due to groin pains that have troubled him since last season.

Unfit but pushing through

As Bilbao coach Ernesto Valverde said in a pre-match press conference ahead of their Champions League game with Sporting Lisbon, He is not physically fit at the moment.

The worry stems from attempts to bring him back to full fitness, which have so far failed, even though the player is giving his all to recover.

Marca notes Williams' deep concern about his condition, prompting thoughts of new options, with surgery as a last resort.

Resting and conservative treatment have been the plan for now, though the groin pain has not yet subsided, leaving him in a highly delicate position.

Marca also states that the groin trouble now threatens the rest of Williams' season and could prevent World Cup participation, so Athletic Bilbao and the winger have chosen conservative treatment, hopeful for improvement.

This season has seen a string of setbacks for the Spaniard: he missed several matches including the Super Cup; he played only three Champions League games and appeared in 17 La Liga matches, scoring four goals.

Nico Williams has been one of Spain's key pillars in recent years and delivered outstanding performances at Euro 2024, where the Roja triumph was led by his side.