Nico Williams
ATH
Plays nine minutes in return
Nico Williams generated one shot (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and one corner in Wednesday's 3-1 defeat against Levante.
Analysis: Williams was back in the squad after missing two games due to a thigh injury and subbed on in the 81st minute. The forward could not do much stat-wise, though, logging one shot off target, one chance created and one accurate cross. He has only one goal and no assists after seven appearances (four starts).
Returns to squad against Levante
Williams (thigh) has been included in Athletic Club's squad for Wednesday's La Liga clash against Levante after recovering from a thigh injury.
Analysis: Williams is back in contention after missing consecutive La Liga fixtures against Rayo Vallecano and Valencia due to a thigh problem, having resumed outdoor team training Monday following a period of individual work. His inclusion in the squad represents an encouraging step in his recovery, although his recurring muscular issues could lead to a cautious approach regarding his playing time. The Spanish winger has recorded one goal across six La Liga appearances this season, including four starts, and remains a key attacking option for Athletic Club. Given his two-match absence, Williams could initially feature off the bench rather than immediately reclaiming his starting role.
Could return for Levante clash
Williams (thigh) could return for Wednesday's La Liga clash against Levante after making further progress in his recovery, according to coach Edin Terzic, per Radio Popular.
Analysis: Williams is closing in on a return to competitive action after missing Saturday's encounter against Valencia due to a thigh injury. The winger resumed outdoor team training Monday after previously being limited to individual exercises, and coach Terzic's latest comments confirm that he remains in contention for Wednesday's trip to Levante. However, his availability has yet to be guaranteed, with the coaching staff expected to make a final decision based on his fitness. Williams has struggled with recurring muscular problems over the past year, making Athletic Club particularly cautious about rushing him back into action. The Spanish international has recorded one goal across six La Liga appearances this season, including four starts, and remains an important part of the team's attacking setup when healthy. Even if he receives clearance to feature Wednesday, a substitute appearance could be more realistic than an immediate return to the starting lineup given his recent absence.
Returns to team training
Williams participated in outdoor team training Monday as he continues recovering from a thigh injury and is pushing to be available for Wednesday's La Liga clash against Levante, according to Onda Vasco Deportes.
Analysis: Williams has taken another encouraging step in his recovery after previously being limited to individual training sessions, which forced him to miss Saturday's encounter against Valencia. The winger has now rejoined his teammates on the training pitch, raising hopes that he could return to the matchday squad for Wednesday's trip to Levante. However, coach Edin Terzic previously emphasized the importance of managing Williams' recovery carefully given his recurring muscular problems over the past year, suggesting the club will avoid rushing him back into competitive action. The Spanish international has started four of his six appearances this season, contributing one goal, and remains a key attacking option when fully fit. His involvement in the remaining training sessions will likely determine whether he can receive clearance to feature Wednesday, although a substitute appearance could be more realistic than an immediate return to the starting lineup.
Won't be risked, out Saturday
Williams (thigh) remains out for Saturday's match against Valencia as his club takes a cautious route, according to manager Edin Terzic, per Iker Torrescusa of Marca. "He has worked individually today and is not available for tomorrow. We hope that next week you can increase the workload. We need more days with him, and we don't want to take risks, seeing the small injuries he has had in the last twelve months."
Analysis: Williams resumed individual training this week, but that is not enough for the winger to return, with his club keeping him sidelined. This is a cautious move by the club following his history of injuries in the past few seasons, not wanting to risk a further absence of one of their more important players. He has started in four of his six appearances this season, earning one goal in his time on the field so far. That said, he will look to return next contest, facing Levante on Wednesday.
Resumes individual ball work
Williams (thigh) resumed individual training with the ball Wednesday but has yet to rejoin the group ahead of Saturday's La Liga clash against Valencia, according to Edu Velasco Jr.
Analysis: Williams took another step in his recovery from a left rectus femoris injury sustained during international duty with Spain, returning to the pitch for individual ball work. The winger has yet to participate in full team training, making his involvement against Valencia unlikely. His progress remains encouraging, although he will need to complete further stages of rehabilitation before returning to competitive action. Alex Berenguer, who has also returned to group training, could continue to provide cover on the left wing.
Could resume grass training next week
Williams (thigh) could return to individual training on the grass next week as he continues recovering from a left rectus femoris injury, according to coach Edin Terzic. "With Nico, perhaps you saw it, I was at the stadium when he scored against Croatia. It was a little surprising that he felt some discomfort after the game because he finished the match without any issues. We believe it's just a matter of days with Nico. Hopefully, he can start training on the grass again next week. We hope he won't be out for too long because he was in very good form, regaining his fitness, getting his smile back, scoring goals and making important contributions on the pitch. We hope he can simply have a short period of rest to get back to his best as soon as possible."
Analysis: Williams suffered the injury while representing Spain against Croatia during the international break and has been limited to individual rehabilitation work since returning to Athletic. Manager Terzic's latest comments suggest the winger is making encouraging progress, although he remains unlikely to feature against Rayo Vallecano or Valencia. The postponed Oct. 21 clash against Levante remains a potential target for his return, depending on how he responds to the next stages of his recovery. With Williams sidelined, Alex Berenguer could continue to handle starting duties on the left wing.
Out two to three weeks
Williams is expected to be out for two to three weeks with a moderate rectus femoris injury in his left thigh, and Athletic have written off his return for the matches at Rayo Vallecano and Valencia, as the club hopes he can return for the postponed Levante match on Oct. 21, according to Javier Ortiz de Lazcano of El Correo.
Analysis: Williams left Spain's camp last Thursday after tests confirmed the injury he picked up while scoring in the Nations League win over Croatia. He began his rehabilitation at Lezama on Sunday and has been restricted to individual work since. It's the latest setback in a string of muscle issues for Williams, who missed 10 matches in 2024/25 and another 20 last season. Alex Berenguer could step into the starting XI on the left wing while Williams is sidelined.
Begins recovery work
Williams (thigh) reported to Athletic's training facilities Sunday to begin his recovery from a moderate left thigh injury, according to Edu Velasco.
Analysis: Williams has started his rehabilitation after withdrawing from the Spain squad due to the injury suffered against Croatia. The winger has yet to resume team training, leaving his availability for Saturday's clash against Rayo Vallecano uncertain. His progress during the week should provide a clearer indication of his status, while Alex Berenguer could start on the left wing if Williams remains unavailable.
Withdraws from Spain squad
Williams withdrew from the Spain squad for the final two matches of the UEFA Nations League during the current international window Thursday due to a left thigh injury.
Analysis: Williams was diagnosed with a "moderate muscular injury on the left thigh," so he won't be an option for Spain's final two matches in the Nations League campaign. He sustained the injury in the previous game against Croatia, and his recovery timeline will determine whether he'll be available to face Rayo Vallecano on Oct. 10, when the league campaign resumes. If that's not the case, Robert Navarro could take his place on the left side of Athletic's attack.
Creates three chances
Williams recorded three shots (zero on goal), six crosses (one accurate) and one corner in Saturday's 0-0 draw versus Deportivo Alaves.
Analysis: Williams was one of Athletic's main attacking outlets during the scoreless draw, creating three chances while delivering six crosses from the left wing. He also played a decisive role in the best opportunity of the match, drawing the foul from Nahuel Tenaglia that resulted in Oihan Sancet's missed penalty in the 69th minute. Williams has scored once across six LaLiga appearances this season and continues to carry a significant creative role despite his limited goal production.
Creative spark on wing
Williams registered three shots (one on goal), eight crosses (three accurate) and four chances created in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Elche.
Analysis: Even though Williams didn't find the back of the net in this match, he was an unstoppable threat on the wing due to his pace and constant dribbling skills. The lack of end product limits Williams' upside, but this was his best game of the season by a wide margin. He set season-high marks in shots, crosses and chances created.
Scores in comfortable win
Williams scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) in Saturday's 3-0 win over Atletico Madrid.
Analysis: Williams broke the deadlock inside the first minute of the second half with a header from close range after what appeared to be a shot from his older brother, Inaki Williams, though he deflected it from close range. The Spain international has one goal on six shots in four league appearances, and if he stays in the XI moving forward, his fantasy value will only go up.
Back with Athletic Club
Williams is back at Athletic Club's training facilities to prepare for the new 2026/27 La Liga season, according to the club.
Analysis: Williams was limited by recurring groin issues for parts of last season, finishing with six goals and three assists across 25 LaLiga appearances. He capped his season with a strong contribution at the World Cup for Spain, providing the assist for Ferran Torres' decisive goal in the win over Argentina, part of a tournament in which he became an important piece as his fitness improved over the final matches. His return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build back toward full health heading into the new 2026/27 La Liga campaign.
Assists off bench in WC finale
Williams assisted once to go with three shots (two on goal), five crosses (one accurate) and two corners in Sunday's 1-0 win versus Argentina.
Analysis: Williams gave a speed and dribbling boost to his team's attack after taking Alex Baena's place in the second half against Argentina. The Athletic Bilbao man missed a good chance but made up for it by heading a ball back for Ferran Torres to score the decisive goal in the 106th minute. Coming off a tricky groin injury, Williams struggled to regain fitness at the beginning of the World Cup, and his role increased gradually over the final contests, and the assist was his lone goal contribution in 108 minutes of play. At 24 years old, he's already an important part of Spanish football history with his participation in World Cup and European Championship titles, remaining an elite dribbler and playmaker ahead of future seasons.
Fit for quarterfinal
Williams (groin) is fit for Friday's quarterfinal against Belgium, according to Diario SPORT.
Analysis: Williams was on the bench for Spain in the round of 16 but didn't play, still not completely fit. However, the winger now appears to be fully fit, leaving him to be an option for the starting XI in future games. That said, he could earn a starting role on the left wing of the attack as Spain advances in the tournament, as he was a major part of their Euro run in 2024.
Picked for bench
Williams (groin) is on the bench for Monday's match against Portugal.
Analysis: Williams is back with the team as expected following a groin injury, fit enough to take a spot on the bench. This will give the Spanish team a very useful super-sub from the bench, likely to enter in the later stages of the match. If at his best, he could be a real danger to Portugal, especially in a tight contest that could see extra time.
Should be available Monday
Williams (groin) trained fully with the Spain squad on Sunday in Dallas alongside all 26 players, putting him on course to be available for Monday's round of 16 clash against Portugal, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Williams had missed the round of 32 victory over Austria due to the adductor injury he suffered against Uruguay, but his return to collective training the day before the Portugal fixture is the clearest sign yet that he has recovered sufficiently to feature. That said, it is unlikely to see him start against the Portuguese, with Alex Baena as the likely option to begin on the left wing. Coach Luis de la Fuente now has his full squad available for what promises to be one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.
Deemed discomfort, won't play
Williams (groin) is out for Thursday's match against Austria, according to manager Luis de la Fuente, per Juan Ignacio Lechuga of El Desmarque. "Thank God, he is experiencing some mild discomfort. It prevents him from playing tomorrow, but we are very optimistic; looking ahead to the next match-provided we manage to advance-he would be available."
Analysis: Williams was trending towards being out Thursday, and that will come to fruition, as his groin injury, which has been downgraded to discomfort, is still too much to play through. The good news is he is trending towards a return in the round of 16, so if Spain is to advance, he will be an option. It appears then they are just taking the cautious route to make sure he doesn't suffer a setback, having yet to start this tournament due to his injury concerns.
Likely unavailable Thursday
Williams (groin) remains sidelined from training work due to his muscular injury and is expected to be ruled out for the World Cup round of 32 meeting with Austria, Diario de Navarra reports.
Analysis: Williams hasn't reached the impact he could make for the Spanish national team as he continues to struggle with physical concerns, and he could be a major absence if he faces multiple games on the sidelines. He had previously recorded 46 minutes of play over three group clashes, failing to score or assist in that period. With the talented winger not fully fit, Alex Baena is projected to feature again on the left flank in upcoming action.
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare