Nico Williams
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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.
Picks up worrying injury
Williams was forced off the field in the 36th minute of Sunday's match against Valencia due to an apparent serious hamstring injury, his brother Inaki stated, per Javier Beltran of AS Diario. "The injury is a little questionable, for the moment in which it is, it was sweet, returning to its level. Now, let's cross our fingers and make it as little as possible. The [messed] up thing is that he leaves us without him these days, he is also close to the World Cup, but the hard thing is that we can't count on him in the last games. I have talked just enough with him, it is not the time to overwhelm him, and he will have many things on his mind. He was pretty lame, he said he had never felt such pain."
Analysis: Williams is worrying numerous fans around the Spanish National Team after his exit Sunday, coming off ahead of halftime due to an injury. With the World Cup just a few weeks away, this is a major storyline to watch for the player, as he broke out with Spain at Euro 2024 and might not be involved now if the injury is deemed serious, which appears to be the initial case. However, there is still some time to recover, and he has yet to be tested for further injury, so nothing is confirmed yet.
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