Williams sustained a moderate hamstring injury Sunday but is expected to recover in time for the tournament beginning June 11.
12:39 PM
Spain midfielder Nico Williams sustained a left hamstring injury during Athletic Club's 1-0 home loss to Valencia on Sunday, departing the match before half-time with visible distress.
The 23-year-old was replaced by his brother Inaki and later observed on the bench with a pad applied to his left hamstring. Athletic Club announced Monday that Williams has suffered a moderate muscular injury to the hamstring of his left leg that will sideline him for three to four weeks.
The injury timeline means Williams will miss the remainder of Athletic's La Liga season but is expected to be available for Spain's World Cup campaign, which begins June 11—exactly one month from the injury date. Sources close to the winger told The Athletic that medical tests confirmed the injury is not as severe as initially feared.
Williams, 23, starred for Spain during their 2024 European Championship victory. He has scored six goals in 30 appearances for Spain's national team since 2022. For Athletic Club this season, he has recorded six goals and seven assists across 32 matches.
Liverpool confirmed Mohamed Salah suffered only minor hamstring damage in Saturday's match against Crystal Palace and should play again this season.
The 18-year-old Spanish forward sustained a left hamstring injury Wednesday but is expected to recover in time for the World Cup.
Flamengo's Giorgian De Arrascaeta suffered a right collarbone fracture during Copa Libertadores play and will undergo surgery Thursday, putting his World Cup participation at risk.
Defender sidelined by leg laceration sustained against Atlético-MG; Flamengo leads Copa Libertadores Group A with perfect record.
Federico Valverde was hospitalized with a head injury after a second altercation with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni in two days at the club's training ground.
