Nico Williams forced off with injury in Athletic Bilbao’s clash against Valencia

Spain international of Ghanaian descent Nico Williams has sparked major concern after suffering another injury in the Spanish La Liga clash between Athletic Bilbao and Valencia on Sunday afternoon.

The enterprising winger was forced off in the 36^th-minute mark as his outfit succumbed to a 1-0 home defeat to Valencia in the week 35 showdown, held at the Estadio de San Mamés

The 22-year-old appeared visibly distraught and frustrated after being subbed of in the much-anticipated clash

Per reports, Williams repeatedly muttered in frustration as he left the field: “It can’t be, it can’t be…” — a moment that captured the severity of the emotional and sporting blow.

The timing could hardly be worse. The injury comes just 32 days before the start of the FIFA World Cup, casting serious doubt over whether one of Spain’s most explosive attacking talents will be fit in time for football’s biggest tournament.

Williams has already endured a disrupted season, having previously missed around 85 days earlier in the campaign due to various fitness issues. This latest setback now threatens to derail his preparation entirely for the global showpiece.

At Athletic Club, concern is growing over the winger’s condition, with the club now facing an anxious wait for medical assessments to determine the full extent of the problem.

For Spain, the injury represents a major headache, as Williams has been viewed as a key attacking weapon heading into the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

His pace, direct dribbling and ability to change games in moments have made him one of Spain’s most dangerous wide options, and losing him at this stage would be a significant blow to their World Cup ambitions.

For now, both club and country are left hoping for positive news — but the immediate reaction from the player has already suggested a worrying turn in his campaign at the worst possible time.