Iñaki Williams
ATH
Fully fit for Levante clash
Williams (ankle) is fully fit and available for Wednesday's clash against Levante, according to coach Edin Terzic, per Athletic Xtra. "With Inaki there's no doubt, he worked yesterday and today and will be available."
Analysis: Williams had been considered doubtful for the clash against Levante after suffering a foot injury in a collision just two minutes after scoring against Elche, an issue that had kept him out of training earlier in the week. His confirmed availability now removes that doubt, and he should continue operating at center forward in place of Gorka Guruzeta who is still not fully fit to start.
Doubtful against Levante
Williams is doubtful for Wednesday's clash against Levante after suffering a foot injury during Sunday's draw against Elche, according to El Correo.
Analysis: Williams picked up the injury in a collision just two minutes after finding the net against Elche and was unable to finish the match. His absence from Monday's training puts his availability for Wednesday in significant doubt. Williams had been operating at center-forward in place of the injured Gorka Guruzeta, so Athletic could be left needing another option up front if neither is available.
Limps off Saturday
Williams departed Saturday's game against Elche due to an undisclosed injury in the 81st minute and was limping off as he left the field, according to Athletic Xtra.
Analysis: While it could've been cramps or a minor injury, Williams will likely undergo tests early next week to see whether he'll miss time. Maroan Sannadi replaced him Saturday, and he could be one of the options to play a bigger role going forward if Williams has to miss some time. Athletic's next match is on Wednesday, Sept. 16, on the road against Levante.
Credited with assist in win
Williams assisted once to go with three shots (zero on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 3-0 win versus Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Williams appeared to have set up his younger brother's goal, Nico Williams, with what appeared to be a shot off target that the Spain international nodded home past Jan Oblak, but he wasn't credited with the assist. The Ghanaian winger would have his revenge, though, and he set up Robert Navarro's strike to give the Basque club a two-goal lead. Williams has posted solid numbers to open the season. He has two assists in his last two starts, and across four league outings, he also has seven shots and five chances created.
Assists in win
Williams assisted once to go with two shots (two on goal), one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Williams was able to grab an assist in Athletic's victory, though he was unlucky to get a goal as both his shots were on target. The forward will need to maintain that level of precision if he wants to beat Atletico Madrid, a team which only gave up 44 goals in LaLiga a season ago.
Four crosses made
Williams had three shots (zero on goal) and four crosses (one accurate) in Friday's 1-0 loss against Colombia.
Analysis: Williams wrapped up his World Cup campaign with 62 minutes against Colombia, delivering four crosses and registering two blocked shots. Throughout the tournament he split minutes almost evenly with Kamaldeen Sulemana, finishing with 128 total minutes across two matches, producing three shots and three recoveries in what ultimately amounted to a quiet showing for the veteran winger.
Starts on Tuesday
Williams recorded no stats in Tuesday's 0-0 draw against England. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 60th minute.
Analysis: Williams struggled to influence proceedings before being substituted in the 66th minute. He managed just 16 touches and failed to register a shot or successful dribble, while losing possession five times. He also lost all five of his duels and had a quiet game as he had no support while attacking and England displayed amazing workrates.
Key striker once more
Williams is going to lead the line at the World Cup for the second edition in a row with Ghana.
Analysis: Williams failed to score in the 2022 World Cup, notching only a single assist. He's now back leading the line once again, though this time with more attacking talent surrounding him. The hope for Ghana will be that Williams and co. can make a difference despite a more defensive shape overall, though their chances going forward could be limited.
Two assists in final game
Williams assisted twice to go with three crosses (two accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 4-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
Analysis: Williams served up both assists for Athletic, whipping in the cross for Gorka Guruzeta's 45th-minute volley before delivering another pinpoint ball that Urko Izeta buried with a header in the 90th, bringing his La Liga total to six assists alongside three goals across 30 appearances (25 starts). He operated as Athletic's primary creative engine all season, consistently generating chances despite a tough campaign for the Basque side. The forward now shifts his focus to the 2026 World Cup with Ghana, where he's expected to spearhead the Black Stars' attack.
Nets equalizer on Sunday
Williams scored one goal to go with seven shots (three on goal), four crosses (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Williams secured a crucial goal in the 52nd minute, assisted by Yuri Berchiche, which kept Athletic in a bleak hunt for a European spot. Williams took seven shots and contributed defensively with a tackle and an interception. This was his first goal since February and his third of the campaign.
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