Nico Williams
Records four minutes of play
Williams entered the field for three minutes in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Williams was held out much of Spain's opener, not featuring until the 87th minute as a substitute. The minimal time would lead him to minimal stats, not recording a single significant stat in his short time on the field. A starting role is something he will eye in their next contest, likely to replace Gavi on the flank.
Available off the bench
Williams (hamstring) is on the bench for Monday's World Cup opener against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Williams has been included in the squad after completing Saturday's training session with Spain, with the coaching staff opting to ease him back via the bench rather than hand him an immediate starting role despite the encouraging progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Gavi starts on the left flank in his place, though Williams' presence among the substitutes gives Spain a dynamic option to unleash during the match, with his pace, dribbling ability and creativity capable of causing problems for any defense once introduced. Before missing Athletic Club's final three La Liga fixtures, he had recorded two goals and one assist across five starts between April and May, and his gradual reintegration through game action should help him return to that level of influence as Spain look to navigate what is expected to be a favorable group-stage campaign.
Involved in full training
Williams (hamstring) has continued to make progress in his recovery, completing Saturday's practice with the Spanish national team, Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero reports.
Analysis: Williams' return to full training represents a boost to his chances of appearing in the World Cup opener against Cape Verde, although he's not yet expected to start. Instead, he'll offer a quality backup option behind Alex Baena or Dani Olmo on the left flank. Before missing the final three games of the La Liga season, Williams posted two goals and an assist over a string of five starts for Athletic Bilbao between April and May. As soon as he's back on the field, he'll serve as an offensive threat with high dribbling and playmaking upside, playing for a national team that is expected to dominate in all of its group phase matches.
Could feature in opener
Williams (hamstring) is expected to be available for some minutes in Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, with his recovery from his injury progressing within the expected timeline, according to SER Deportivos.
Analysis: Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage, and the positive update suggests he will be ready to contribute when Spain's tournament begins in Atlanta. Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to manage his minutes carefully in the opener to avoid any risk of a setback, with the Athletic Club winger's explosive direct threat on the left flank a weapon Spain will be eager to deploy as the competition progresses.
Rested in last friendly
Williams (hamstring) is on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 but will not travel to Puebla for the final pre-tournament friendly against Peru, remaining at the squad's base in Chattanooga for continued specific rehabilitation work, according to Miguel Angel Lara of Marca.
Analysis: Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage following the hamstring injury he sustained against Valencia, and his progression within the expected timeline is a significant relief for Spain. The Athletic Club winger brings an explosive direct threat on Spain's left flank that is difficult to replicate with any other player in the squad, and manager De la Fuente will take no risks with his fitness ahead of the competition.
Expected back for World Cup opener
Williams (hamstring) was cleared of any serious damage following Monday's medical examinations, with an MRI ruling out a tendon lesion and confirming an absence of two to three weeks, putting him on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde, according to Marca.
Analysis: Williams had come off in the 35th minute of Sunday's clash against Valencia amid fears of a significant hamstring injury, but the results of further testing have provided a considerably more optimistic picture than initially feared. The winger will follow a progressive and rigorous rehabilitation program over the coming weeks, with the timeline suggesting he could be ready for Spain's first group stage match, though the coaching staff will not take any unnecessary risks with his fitness. Coach Luis De la Fuente had been prepared to wait until the second or third group stage fixture if needed, but the medical update opens the door for an earlier return. The ruling out of any tendon damage was the key concern for both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team following Sunday's exit, and the positive diagnosis is a major relief heading into the summer tournament.
Picks up worrying injury
Williams was forced off the field in the 36th minute of Sunday's match against Valencia due to an apparent serious hamstring injury, his brother Inaki stated, per Javier Beltran of AS Diario. "The injury is a little questionable, for the moment in which it is, it was sweet, returning to its level. Now, let's cross our fingers and make it as little as possible. The [messed] up thing is that he leaves us without him these days, he is also close to the World Cup, but the hard thing is that we can't count on him in the last games. I have talked just enough with him, it is not the time to overwhelm him, and he will have many things on his mind. He was pretty lame, he said he had never felt such pain."
Analysis: Williams is worrying numerous fans around the Spanish National Team after his exit Sunday, coming off ahead of halftime due to an injury. With the World Cup just a few weeks away, this is a major storyline to watch for the player, as he broke out with Spain at Euro 2024 and might not be involved now if the injury is deemed serious, which appears to be the initial case. However, there is still some time to recover, and he has yet to be tested for further injury, so nothing is confirmed yet.
Involved in three goals in win
Williams scored two goals and assisted once from four shots and one chance created in Saturday's 4-2 victory against Deportivo Alaves. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 76th minute.
Analysis: Williams was credited with the assist in Robert Navarro's goal early in the second half, but he'd later find the back of the net twice -- right when the team needed him the most. Williams gave Athletic a 3-2 lead with a clever finish after a one-two with Gorka Guruzeta in the 83rd minute, and he'd later close things out with a chipped finish four minutes later. This was Williams' first two-goal performance of the season, and he has nine goal contributions (G6, A3) in the 2025/26 Liga campaign.
Active in final third in win
Williams recorded one shot (one on goal), four crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Tuesday's 1-0 win versus Osasuna.
Analysis: Williams wasn't credited with the assist on Gorka Guruzeta's goal, but there's no question that he was the architect of that sequence with one of his trademark runs on the left wing. Williams has a solid floor on offense due to his creativity-based numbers, but he would have far more fantasy upside if he were able to score or assist regularly. He hasn't scored a goal in league play since January, and he hasn't delivered an assist since December. Furthermore, he hasn't recorded a goal contribution since returning to the squad three games following his latest injury setback -- a groin injury that sidelined him for six matches between Feb. 15 and April 5.
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