Spain Faces Injury Concerns Over Nico Williams Ahead of World Cup

Spain’s World Cup build-up took a sharp and unwelcome twist on Sunday as Nico Williams limped out of Athletic Club’s La Liga defeat to Valencia with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old pulled up before half-time in the 1-0 loss at San Mamés, immediately clutching his left leg. His expression told its own story. He left the pitch visibly distraught, then reappeared on the bench with a pad strapped to his left hamstring, an image that will have travelled quickly to the Spain camp.

For Luis de la Fuente, the timing could hardly be worse. The World Cup in North America is a month away. His in-form winger, a key part of Spain’s European title run, is now an injury doubt.

A key pillar under threat

Williams has become one of Spain’s most reliable attacking outlets since his debut in 2022. Six goals in 30 caps underline his growing influence at international level, while his club numbers this season – six goals and seven assists in 32 games for Athletic Club – show a player arriving at his peak.

He has already lost weeks this year to injury. Now, with the global tournament looming, his body has betrayed him again.

On the pitch, the incident drained the energy from San Mamés. Off it, it sent a shudder through Spain’s preparations.

Yamal already out, anxiety rising

Spain were already holding their breath over Lamine Yamal. The Barcelona prodigy tore his hamstring last month, casting immediate doubt over his readiness for the World Cup. Losing one dynamic wide forward is bad enough. Losing two, both central to Spain’s vertical threat and one‑v‑one ability, would rip a hole in De la Fuente’s attacking plan.

The concern was echoed by Nico’s brother and club teammate, Inaki Williams.

“He was limping a lot. He hadn’t felt that type of pain before,” Inaki said after the game. “It’s concerning, considering the moment we are in right now. Let’s wait and hope for the best possible scenario.”

For now, that hope is all Spain have. Athletic did not immediately release any medical report or timeframe, leaving national-team staff and supporters to wait on scans and updates.

Countdown to North America

The clock does not stop. Spain, world champions in 2010 and reigning European champions, are locked into a demanding Group H schedule across two countries.

They open their campaign in Atlanta, Georgia, against Cape Verde on June 15, then remain in the city to face Saudi Arabia on June 21. The final group match takes them to Guadalajara, Mexico, for a meeting with Uruguay on June 26 – a fixture that already looked decisive before these injury worries.

De la Fuente is due to name a 55-man preliminary squad this week. On paper, it is a chance to showcase Spain’s depth and flexibility. In reality, it may quickly become a damage‑limitation exercise if both Yamal and Nico Williams face a race against time.

One month out, Spain’s tactical questions can wait. The first, brutal question is simpler: will two of their most explosive weapons even make it onto the plane?