Spain have received a boost regarding their star winger, Nico Williams, and his potential inclusion in the World Cup squad this summer. This positive outlook comes after his recent injury diagnosis. The forward from the Basque Country has been plagued by injuries throughout the season, leading to widespread concern when he limped off the field during Athletic Club’s 1-0 defeat to Valencia at San Mames on Sunday.
The 23-year-old Williams has spent a significant portion of the season in and out of the Athletic squad due to a sports hernia, which has considerably affected his performance. In Los Leones’ second-to-last match, he had shown signs of returning to his best form, scoring twice in a 4-2 victory over Alaves. However, on Sunday, Williams had to leave the game after just thirty minutes, expressing distress with the words “it can’t be.”
Nico Williams Given World Cup Hope
Following medical tests on Monday, reports from Diario AS suggest that Williams still has a viable chance of making it to the World Cup. His club season with Athletic has concluded, meaning he will not be able to contribute to their pursuit of European football qualification. Nevertheless, in theory, he should be fit in time for Spain’s warm-up matches against Iraq and Peru in early June. Williams has sustained a ‘moderate’ hamstring injury, with an expected recovery period of three weeks. This timeline should be sufficiently short to keep him in Luis de la Fuente’s plans.
Replacements Lining Up Behind Him
The same publication also reveals that several alternative players have been included in Luis de la Fuente’s preliminary 55-man squad for the World Cup. Among these are Osasuna’s Victor Munoz, Rayo Vallecano’s Jorge de Frutos, and Villarreal’s creative midfielder Alberto Moleiro. All three players are capable of playing on the left wing. Victor Munoz, in particular, impressed during his recent call-up to the Spanish national team, scoring on his debut. De Frutos has been part of two squads this season, while La Roja is already familiar with Moleiro from his appearances with the under-21s.
