Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente has assured fans that winger Nico Williams will recover in time for the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite suffering an injury during Athletic Bilbao’s La Liga clash against Valencia CF on Sunday.
The 22-year-old, who has Ghanaian roots, was forced off during the match at San Mames, effectively ruling him out for the remainder of Athletic Bilbao’s domestic campaign. His absence comes as a major setback for the club, with Williams playing a crucial role in their attack throughout the season.
Providing an update on injured players ahead of the World Cup, De La Fuente expressed confidence that Williams, alongside Lamine Yamal and Mikel Merino, would be fit for the tournament.
“I believe we will have Lamine, Nico and Merino available for the opening match and if not, they should be ready for the second or third game,” he told Europa Press.
Spain have been drawn in Group H alongside Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde and Uruguay for the expanded 48-team tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
