Nico Williams
Ranking
Grades
Key Grades
This season
Overall Grades by game
This season
Matches
News
Rested in last friendly
Williams (hamstring) is on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15 but will not travel to Puebla for the final pre-tournament friendly against Peru, remaining at the squad's base in Chattanooga for continued specific rehabilitation work, according to Miguel Angel Lara of Marca.
Analysis: Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage following the hamstring injury he sustained against Valencia, and his progression within the expected timeline is a significant relief for Spain. The Athletic Club winger brings an explosive direct threat on Spain's left flank that is difficult to replicate with any other player in the squad, and manager De la Fuente will take no risks with his fitness ahead of the competition.
Expected back for World Cup opener
Williams (hamstring) was cleared of any serious damage following Monday's medical examinations, with an MRI ruling out a tendon lesion and confirming an absence of two to three weeks, putting him on track to be available for Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde, according to Marca.
Analysis: Williams had come off in the 35th minute of Sunday's clash against Valencia amid fears of a significant hamstring injury, but the results of further testing have provided a considerably more optimistic picture than initially feared. The winger will follow a progressive and rigorous rehabilitation program over the coming weeks, with the timeline suggesting he could be ready for Spain's first group stage match, though the coaching staff will not take any unnecessary risks with his fitness. Coach Luis De la Fuente had been prepared to wait until the second or third group stage fixture if needed, but the medical update opens the door for an earlier return. The ruling out of any tendon damage was the key concern for both Athletic Club and the Spanish national team following Sunday's exit, and the positive diagnosis is a major relief heading into the summer tournament.
Explore more players
Kylian Mbappé
RMA• #10• CFLamine Yamal
BAR• #10• RWFederico Valverde
RMA• #8• RWVedat Muriqi
MLL• #7• CFSelect Player
Search and select a player to compare