Distraught Spain star seen saying ‘it can’t be’ after picking up injury just 32 days before World Cup
Nico Williams has suffered a potential injury blow just weeks before the World Cup.
The Spain winger was forced off during the first half of Athletic Bilbao’s latest LaLiga, where they faced Valencia on Sunday.
The 23-year-old could be seen repeatedly saying: “It can’t be,” as he trudged off the field with the club’s medical staff.
He was subsequently replaced by his brother Inaki Williams in the 36th minute of the match.
Although the contest had been goalless at the time of the injury, Umar Sadiq went on to score a winner for Valencia.
Williams has previously battled pubalgia and a groin injury already this season.
World Cup concern
However, his latest setback comes so close to this summer’s World Cup in North America.
Spain begin their group stage campaign against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15.
It follows warm-up matches for the 2010 winners against Iraq and Peru.
Luis de la Fuente’s side will also take on Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in Group H.
Williams has scored six goals in 30 caps for Spain since making his senior international debut aged 20 in September 2022.
Of those appearances, four came under Luis Enrique at the previous World Cup four years ago.
He also scored against England in the Euro 2024 final, with Spain going on to win 2-1.
Williams has enjoyed an impressive season at club level leading up to the tournament.
In 32 appearances across all competitions, he has scored six goals and provided seven assists.
De la Fuente is already facing a potential injury headache in attack with Lamine Yamal a doubt for the World Cup.
The Barcelona winger has been sidelined since last month with a hamstring injury.
Although his club season is over, Yamal is targeting a return to fitness in time to make the Spain squad.
Mikel Merino could also miss out after the Arsenal midfielder fractured his foot in February.
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