Nico Williams has emerged as a major injury concern for Spain national football team ahead of the 2026 World Cup after the winger suffered another muscle setback while playing for Athletic Bilbao.
The Spanish international was forced off during Athletic Bilbao’s match against Valencia CF in the 35th round of the Spanish League on Sunday after sustaining what has been described as a new muscle injury.
Williams was unable to continue the match, adding to fears that one of Spain’s most important attacking players could miss the upcoming World Cup tournament.
The latest setback comes at the end of what has already been a difficult season for the winger, who has struggled with recurring muscular problems since September.
Fresh Injury Compounds Difficult Season
The new injury has intensified concerns surrounding the player’s physical condition after a campaign repeatedly disrupted by fitness issues.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, Williams is expected to miss the remainder of the 2025-2026 season, although the exact length of his recovery period has not yet been confirmed.
The uncertainty surrounding his condition has created anxiety for Spain manager Luis de la Fuente, who is preparing to announce his 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup.
Williams had been widely expected to be included in the squad following his recent return from an earlier injury problem. However, the latest development has now cast doubt over whether he will be fit in time for the tournament, which is scheduled to begin on 11 June.
Spain had viewed the Athletic Bilbao winger as one of the team’s most dangerous attacking options because of his pace, creativity and ability to influence matches in wide areas.
His potential absence would therefore represent a significant setback for the national side as preparations continue for football’s biggest international competition.
Awaiting Medical Clarity
Further medical assessments are expected in the coming days, with Spain and Athletic Bilbao both waiting for clearer information regarding the seriousness of the injury.
Officials are expected to determine not only the expected recovery timeline but also whether Williams will have enough time to regain full fitness before the World Cup begins.
The uncertainty has increased speculation over possible alternatives for Spain should the winger fail to recover in time.
Williams has remained an influential figure for Athletic Bilbao throughout the season despite his recurring physical problems.
Strong Contribution Despite Injury Problems
The 23-year-old has made 32 appearances for Bilbao across all competitions during the current campaign.
During those matches, he scored six goals and provided seven assists, underlining his importance to the club’s attacking play.
His performances over recent seasons have also established him as one of the most highly regarded young forwards in Spanish football and an increasingly important member of the national team setup.
For Spain, the timing of the injury could hardly be worse, with the World Cup approaching rapidly and squad planning entering its final stages.
Much now depends on the results of upcoming medical evaluations, which will determine whether Williams can recover in time to take his place among Spain’s travelling squad.
Until then, doubts are likely to continue surrounding the fitness of one of the country’s brightest attacking talents ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
