Spain’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been dealt a potential blow, with Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams now facing uncertainty over his availability for the tournament scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.
According to reports in Spain, growing concern surrounds the physical condition of the Spanish-Ghanaian forward, who has been struggling to regain full fitness after suffering persistent groin pain since last season.
The issue has reportedly limited his performances and raised alarm bells within Athletic Bilbao’s medical team.
Bilbao head coach Ernesto Valverde acknowledged the situation ahead of his side’s Champions League clash with Sporting Lisbon, admitting during a press conference, “He is not physically fit at the moment.”
The concern has deepened due to the failure of several recovery attempts, despite Williams’ commitment to rehabilitation and treatment. Reports suggest the winger has followed all medical instructions in a bid to overcome the problem, yet the discomfort has continued to affect his condition.
Marca further revealed that the player is increasingly anxious about his situation, with more drastic solutions now being discussed. Surgery has reportedly emerged as a possible option, though it remains a last resort for both the player and the club.
“The treatments Nico has undergone so far have not achieved the desired results. He took a break from matches before returning to play, adhering to specific guidelines for recovery and prevention. He complied with everything, but the pubic pain has not subsided, leaving him now in a very delicate situation,” the report stated.
The newspaper added that the persistent pubic pain now threatens the remainder of Williams’ season and could even rule him out of the World Cup. Athletic Bilbao and the player have therefore agreed to continue with a conservative treatment plan, hopeful that his condition will improve over time.
Williams’ campaign has already been disrupted by repeated setbacks. He missed several matches earlier in the season, including the Super Cup, featured in only three Champions League games, and made 17 league appearances in which he scored four goals.
Despite the current uncertainty, the winger remains a key figure for Spain. Williams has established himself as one of the national team’s most important players in recent years and was instrumental during Euro 2024, where La Roja lifted the trophy.
