Maximum alert for the Spanish national team just weeks before the start of the World Cup! Two fundamental pillars on the wings, crucial in winning the European Championship just two years ago, are now threatened by muscle injuries that could shake Spain’s ambitions in the most important tournament in world football.
The young prodigy from Barcelona, Lamine Yamal, has already been sidelined for three matches due to a left hamstring injury, suffered dramatically while scoring the decisive penalty against Celta de Vigo on April 22. Now, the situation worsens with the confirmation that Nico Williams, a standout figure in Spain’s victory over England in the Euro 2024 final, has also suffered a moderate injury in the same area during the match between Athletic Bilbao and Valencia.
Nico Williams, at 23 years old, was substituted in the 36th minute of the game at San Mamés, visibly in distress and murmuring “this can’t be,” leaving the field to make way for his brother, Iñaki Williams. The official medical report from Athletic confirmed the severity of the injury: “Player Nico Williams was substituted in the 36th minute due to a moderate muscle injury in the hamstring muscles of the left leg.” However, the club did not provide a timeline for the winger’s return.
This news is a severe blow both for the young talent and for Athletic, which is fighting for a spot in next season’s European competitions. The season has been a real battle against injuries for Nico, who renewed his contract with his training club for a decade last summer, turning down tempting offers from Barcelona. So far, he has only played 25 league matches, scoring six goals and providing three assists, numbers that could be much more impressive if it weren’t for his physical ordeal.
Iñaki Williams, brother and teammate, expressed his deep sadness to the Spanish press: “The most frustrating thing is that we are without him now. The World Cup is approaching, but the most complicated thing is that Athletic cannot count on him for the last matches. I spoke briefly with him; it’s not the time to overwhelm him, he has a lot on his mind. He told me he has never felt pain like this.”
Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal remains hopeful and is expected to recover in time for the World Cup, following a conservative treatment plan outlined by Barcelona, which is confident in the young talent’s full recovery.
Spain will debut in the World Cup on June 15 against Cape Verde, before facing Saudi Arabia and Uruguay. The absence, or even the uncertainty regarding the availability of these two wingers, could jeopardize “La Roja’s” game strategy and cast a shadow of uncertainty over the team’s potential.
This is a critical moment for the Spanish national team and for the fans, who hope to see their heroes in top form on the stage that gathers the biggest stars of world football. The race against time is on, and the future of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal could be decisive for Spain’s aspirations in the World Cup.
This article first appeared on Apito Final.
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