Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is facing a spell on the sidelines after the club confirmed he is undergoing treatment for a groin-related issue, raising concerns just months before the World Cup.
In a statement released on Monday, the LaLiga outfit revealed that the 23-year-old has started working with an external specialist to address pubalgia.
The club noted that his recovery timeline will depend on how he responds to treatment, with no clear date set for his return to action.
“(Williams) has begun treatment with an external specialist to treat his pubalgia, with specific work that, pending his progress, will cause him to be unavailable for upcoming matches,” said Athletic in a statement.
Spanish media reports indicate Williams could be out for several weeks as he focuses on rehabilitation.
The winger was absent from Athletic’s weekend league victory over Real Oviedo, a decision head coach Ernesto Valverde said was necessary given the player’s condition.
“Nico has problems, he’s not 100 per cent, we can’t continue like this,” Valverde told Movistar.
Williams, a standout performer for Spain under Luis de la Fuente during their triumphant UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, is now expected to miss key fixtures, including the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Basque rivals Real Sociedad on March 4.
The development will be closely monitored by both club and country as Spain look ahead to their World Cup preparations.
