Concerns over Nico Williams’ injury with Athletic Bilbao ahead of World Cup

Advertisement

Advertise with us

MADRID (AP) — Spain forward Nico Williams had to be substituted before halftime in Athletic Bilbao’s 1-0 loss to Valencia at home on Sunday, prompting concerns ahead of the World Cup.

Read this article for free:


or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Subscribe and receive a limited-edition Free Press branded hat or tote.

Digital Subscription

One year of digital access for only $205*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles

*First annual payment billed as $205.00 + GST for one year. This annual subscription will automatically renew at $233.00 + GST every 52 weeks (10% off the regular annual price of $259.35). Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

To continue reading, please subscribe:

Add Free Press access to your Brandon Sun subscription for only an additional

$1 for the first 4 weeks*

  • Enjoy unlimited reading on winnipegfreepress.com
  • Read the E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
  • Access News Break, our award-winning app
  • Play interactive puzzles
Start now

*Your next Brandon Sun subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $17.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.

MADRID (AP) — Spain forward Nico Williams had to be substituted before halftime in Athletic Bilbao’s 1-0 loss to Valencia at home on Sunday, prompting concerns ahead of the World Cup.

Williams appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and was replaced by brother Iñaki Williams in the 37th minute at San Mamés stadium.

Nico Williams had already been sidelined for several weeks earlier this year because of another injury.

FILE -Spain's Nico Williams eyes the ball prior the start of the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)
FILE -Spain's Nico Williams eyes the ball prior the start of the Nations League final soccer match between Portugal and Spain at the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, June 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

Athletic did not immediately release details about Sunday’s issue.

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

The 23-year-old Nico Williams has been a regular in Spain’s squad, playing in attack along with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal, who is also injured.

Spain coach Luis de La Fuente is set to announce a 55-name pre-list for the World Cup on Monday.

___

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Report Error Submit a Tip

Soccer

LOAD SOCCER ARTICLES