Report: Spain's Nico Williams expected to be fit for World Cup

Standout Spanish winger Nico Williams is expected to be available for the World Cup next month despite leaving Athletic Club's 1-0 loss to Valencia on Sunday with a hamstring injury, according to a report from The Athletic.

Williams was visibly distressed when he left the pitch after sustaining the injury. But The Athletic reported that the injury is only expected to sideline him for approximately three weeks.

The Bilbao-based club released a statement saying that Williams sustained a "moderate hamstring strain in his left leg" with the report saying he'll miss Athletic Club's three remaining regular-season games.

He has three weeks to recover before Spain plays its first of two World Cup tuneup friendlies against Iraq on June 4. Spain's World Cup opener is June 15 against Cape Verde in Group H play.

Spain, which won its first World Cup in 2010, is one of the frontrunners for this summer's historic 48-team World Cup in North America. The Spanish team is currently second in the FIFA/Coca Cola World Rankings behind France.

Williams, 23, made his debut for the Spanish senior national team in September 2022 at 20 years old. He's scored six goals in 30 caps, including two during Spain's run to the 2024 UEFA Euro championship.

He has six goals with seven assists in 32 games for Athletic Club this season.

Spain also has to worry about midfielder Lamine Yamal, who went down with a torn hamstring last month while playing for Barcelona.

--Field Level Media