Spain's Nico Williams leaves Athletic game with injury ahead of World Cup

Field Level Media|published: Sun 10th May, 16:33 2026

Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams warming up before a match against Atletico Madrid on April 25, 2026.

Spain's World Cup roster appeared to take another blow when midfielder Nico Williams departed Sunday's La Liga game for Athletic Club with an apparent left leg injury.

Williams was replaced in the 36th minute against Valencia with a distraught look on his face. He was later on the bench with a pad on his left hamstring as Valencia finished off a 1-0 victory.

Williams, 23, has scored six goals in 30 appearances with Spain's national team since 2022. He has six goals with seven assists in 32 games for Athletic Club this season.

Spain already has to worry about midfielder Lamine Yamal, who went down with a torn hamstring last month while playing for Barcelona.

Spain was drawn into Group H of this summer's World Cup in North America. The team will play its first two games at Atlanta, facing Cape Verde on June 15 and Saudi Arabia on June 21. Spain will play its final group game against Uruguay on June 26 at Guadalajara, Mexico.

--Field Level Media

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