Spain’s head coach, Luis de la Fuente, has expressed optimism that Nico Williams will recover in time for the World Cup, despite his hamstring injury sustained over the weekend.
The 23-year-old raised concerns before Spain’s opening match against Cape Verde in Atlanta on June 15, when he had to leave the field during the first half of Athletic Club’s loss to Valencia in LaLiga.
Athletic confirmed that the winger has a “moderate muscle injury to the hamstring in his left leg,” but De la Fuente remains hopeful for his return ahead of the World Cup.
“We are in a critical phase where even a minor setback can complicate participation in the World Cup,” De la Fuente said during a Europa Press event on Tuesday. “Fortunately, Nico has a grade one injury, which means he should be fit in about three to four weeks, provided there are no complications. If he’s not ready for the first match, he will be available for the second.”
This year has been challenging for Williams in terms of injuries; he only made his return in April after a prolonged recovery from a recurring groin problem and has only appeared in 23 matches this season across all competitions.
Spain also has several injury concerns ahead of the summer finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where they are among the favorites to win the trophy.
Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is currently sidelined with a torn hamstring, while Arsenal’s midfielder Mikel Merino has been out since January following surgery on a foot injury.
However, De la Fuente believes both players could be ready for the finals. “I’m hopeful we will have both of them available for the first match,” he added. “If not for the first, then definitely for the second or the third.”
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Additionally, Manchester City midfielder Rodri, who has missed the last four matches for his club, may return to play against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
Following their match against Cape Verde, Spain will take on Saudi Arabia and Uruguay in their remaining Group H contests.
De la Fuente has submitted a list of 55 players for the World Cup, with the final squad of 26 set to be announced on May 25.