Athletic Bilbao forward Iñaki Williams is facing a race against time to be fit for Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final second leg against Rangers after suffering an adductor muscle overload.
The Ghanaian international was forced off during Sunday’s 3-1 La Liga win over Rayo Vallecano at San Mamés, raising immediate concern within the Basque camp.
The 30-year-old was unable to complete the match, prompting speculation about the severity of the issue just days before a crucial European tie.
On Monday morning, Athletic Bilbao confirmed the injury in an official statement, revealing that Williams had sustained an overload in the adductor muscles of his left leg.
“The player Iñaki Williams had to leave the field before the end of yesterday’s match at San Mamés against Rayo Vallecano after suffering an overload of the adductor muscles in his left leg,” the club announced.
No definitive timeline has been provided regarding Williams’ recovery. Athletic Bilbao stated that the striker will remain under medical observation to monitor the development of the injury, leaving his availability for the midweek European fixture uncertain.
Williams’ condition is now the subject of intense focus, particularly given his pivotal role in Bilbao’s attacking setup.
His pace, experience, and consistency have been vital to the team’s domestic and continental ambitions this season.
With the tie against Rangers finely poised, the potential absence of the Ghanaian could be a significant blow for Ernesto Valverde’s side.
His withdrawal from Sunday’s encounter came in the latter stages of the match, and although Bilbao had already secured a commanding lead, the sight of Williams limping off stirred concern among the coaching staff and supporters alike.
The forward, known for his exceptional physical endurance, has rarely been sidelined by injury, making the latest development particularly unsettling.
The injury comes at a critical juncture in the season, as Athletic Bilbao look to secure progression to the Europa League semi-finals.
The first leg in Glasgow ended in a tightly contested draw, leaving everything to play for in the return leg at San Mamés.
The prospect of facing Rangers without one of their most reliable performers adds an extra layer of uncertainty for the Basque outfit.
Williams has been a mainstay for Bilbao since breaking into the first team, and his durability has been a hallmark of his career.
He famously went over six years without missing a La Liga match, underlining his reputation as one of the league’s most physically resilient players.
That run, however, now appears at risk as the club prepares for its biggest match of the campaign.
While Athletic Bilbao’s medical team continues to assess the situation, fans and teammates alike are hoping for a swift recovery.
The club has offered no further details about treatment plans or possible return dates, but all eyes will now be on upcoming training sessions for signs of the striker’s progress.
As it stands, Iñaki Williams remains a doubt for Thursday’s Europa League showdown—a development that could have significant implications for Athletic Bilbao’s European ambitions.
