Nico Williams handed major World Cup fitness boost after injury scare

Nico Williams has received a huge boost in his race to be fit for the 2026 World Cup, with tests confirming he has avoided a serious injury and should only be sidelined for around three weeks.

The latest update from Marca means both Athletic Bilbao and Spain can breathe a sigh of relief after initial fears following his knock against Valencia.

The winger had been struggling with a hamstring problem in his left leg, but an MRI showed there is no tendon damage, easing concerns that he might miss the tournament altogether. This recovery timeline keeps him on schedule for the World Cup, with optimism that he could even make Spain’s opening game against Cape Verde.

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente was reportedly ready to wait until the second or third group fixture if necessary, but current projections suggest Williams might return earlier than that. He is still expected to sit out the June 4 friendly in A Coruna, yet the June 15 opener now looks within reach. Spain are also tracking the fitness of other attackers such as Lamine Yamal.