ATHLETIC BILBAO star Nico Williams suffered an injury blow that forced him to hobble off the pitch just weeks before jetting off to the 2026 World Cup with Spain.
Williams, 23, was forced off just eight minutes before half-time at San Mames where Bilbao lost 1-0 to Valencia following Umar Sadiq’s winner on 72 minutes.
The Basque giants were left sweating on the winger’s fitness amid a late push for European qualification.
That was because the Spain international looked visibly devastated and appeared to be mouthing “It can’t be, it can’t be” as he made way for his brother Inaki Williams.
The forward has been key for Ernesto Valverde‘s side having amassed a total six goals and four assists in 25 league matches this season.
But Spain will also be following developments with a special interest less than a month before they fly to North America for the World Cup.
Williams was key behind the Furia Roja’s Euro 2024 triumph that saw them beating England 2-1 in the final as he opened the scoring in Berlin.
And manager Luis de la Fuente will need the Bilbao star in the US, Mexico and Canada.
Spain have already been dealt with an injury worry after Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal’s hamstring problem.
Yamal, 18, was ruled out for the rest of the season after hobbling off the pitch in tears last month during Barca’s 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo where he scored the winner at the Nou Camp.
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However, Spain are confident their star man will be back in time for the World Cup.
Williams counts a total of six goals in 30 caps with his national team, two of which took place at Euro 2024.
The Spaniard’s impressive performances attracted interest from Arsenal and Barcelona.
But their pursuits failed as he inked a new ten-year deal with Bilbao, which saw his release clause double in the region of £90million last summer.
