Nico Williams
ATH
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.
Adductor muscle injury confirmed
Williams (groin) has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his right adductor following a heavy tackle during the match against Uruguay, according to Jose Luis Allegue of Marca.
Analysis: Williams left the stadium visibly affected and limping noticeably, with his availability for the remainder of the tournament now pending how the injury evolves. Though a return to action seems difficult to envision, the moderate grade of the injury does not entirely rule out his participation in the World Cup going forward. With Victor Munoz (strain) still a doubt, Alex Baena and Ferran Torres are expected to see larger roles in the front line for La Roja.
Facing possible muscle injury
Williams is thought to be dealing with a possible muscle injury following Friday's 1-0 win over Uruguay, according to manager Luis de la Fuente, per Jose Juis Allegue of Marca. "We have to wait, he has discomfort. It can be an overload or fatigue. We'll see."
Analysis: Williams is another concern for Spain after Yeremy Pino suffered an apparent broken collarbone, as Williams was also a part of the rough tackling by Uruguay to end the match. This is a major concern for the team as he heads into testing, as anything serious could knock him out of the remainder of the World Cup, as he was already dealing with muscle concerns before the tournament. If this is the case, the team will be less with limited options on the left of the attack. Victor Munoz (strain) is also injured, leaving either Alex Baena or Ferran Torres to start on the left.
Plays from bench again
Williams recorded two crosses in Sunday's 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia.
Analysis: Williams was brought onto the field from the bench once again after the same role in their opener, although he would appear for a bit longer with 29 minutes of play Sunday. He will now push for starting time in the group stage finale, one of Spain's standout players at Euro 2024.
Records four minutes of play
Williams entered the field for three minutes in Monday's 0-0 draw against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Williams was held out much of Spain's opener, not featuring until the 87th minute as a substitute. The minimal time would lead him to minimal stats, not recording a single significant stat in his short time on the field. A starting role is something he will eye in their next contest, likely to replace Gavi on the flank.
Available off the bench
Williams (hamstring) is on the bench for Monday's World Cup opener against Cape Verde.
Analysis: Williams has been included in the squad after completing Saturday's training session with Spain, with the coaching staff opting to ease him back via the bench rather than hand him an immediate starting role despite the encouraging progress in his recovery from a hamstring injury. Gavi starts on the left flank in his place, though Williams' presence among the substitutes gives Spain a dynamic option to unleash during the match, with his pace, dribbling ability and creativity capable of causing problems for any defense once introduced. Before missing Athletic Club's final three La Liga fixtures, he had recorded two goals and one assist across five starts between April and May, and his gradual reintegration through game action should help him return to that level of influence as Spain look to navigate what is expected to be a favorable group-stage campaign.
Involved in full training
Williams (hamstring) has continued to make progress in his recovery, completing Saturday's practice with the Spanish national team, Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero reports.
Analysis: Williams' return to full training represents a boost to his chances of appearing in the World Cup opener against Cape Verde, although he's not yet expected to start. Instead, he'll offer a quality backup option behind Alex Baena or Dani Olmo on the left flank. Before missing the final three games of the La Liga season, Williams posted two goals and an assist over a string of five starts for Athletic Bilbao between April and May. As soon as he's back on the field, he'll serve as an offensive threat with high dribbling and playmaking upside, playing for a national team that is expected to dominate in all of its group phase matches.
Could feature in opener
Williams (hamstring) is expected to be available for some minutes in Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, with his recovery from his injury progressing within the expected timeline, according to SER Deportivos.
Analysis: Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage, and the positive update suggests he will be ready to contribute when Spain's tournament begins in Atlanta. Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to manage his minutes carefully in the opener to avoid any risk of a setback, with the Athletic Club winger's explosive direct threat on the left flank a weapon Spain will be eager to deploy as the competition progresses.
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