News Focus
- Nico Williams faces three weeks on the sidelines with a moderate hamstring strain
- The Athletic Club star was forced off during Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Valencia
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente may still include him in the final World Cup squad
- Three backup players have been named in the provisional 55-man list
- The winger’s domestic season has ended due to the injury setback
Spain have received encouraging news regarding Nico Williams. The winger could still travel to the World Cup this summer despite picking up an injury last weekend.
The 23-year-old limped off the pitch after just half an hour during Athletic Club’s match against Valencia at San Mames on Sunday. He looked distressed as he left the field. Medical tests on Monday revealed a moderate hamstring problem. Doctors expect him to miss three weeks of action.
This timeline means Williams should recover before Spain play their warm-up matches. La Roja face Iraq and Peru in early June before the tournament begins. The injury will keep him out of Athletic Club’s remaining fixtures, ending his domestic season early.
Williams has struggled with fitness throughout the campaign. A sports hernia has limited his appearances and affected his performances. However, he showed his quality by scoring twice in a 4-2 victory over Alaves recently.
National team manager Luis de la Fuente has not ruled Williams out of his plans. The coach has also included several alternatives in his provisional 55-player list. Victor Munoz of Osasuna, Jorge de Frutos from Rayo Vallecano, and Alberto Moleiro of Villarreal are all options. These players can operate on the left wing. Munoz scored on his debut for Spain in their most recent camp. De Frutos has received two call-ups this season, while Moleiro is known to the setup from under-21 level.