Spain winger Nico Williams expressed that he experienced “one of the worst days of my life” following an injury incurred during a match against Uruguay on Friday, throwing his potential future participation in the World Cup into uncertainty.
The reigning European champions clinched the top spot in Group H with a 1-0 victory over Uruguay, but the win was overshadowed by injury concerns for both Williams and fellow winger Yéremy Pino.
Williams and Pino came on as substitutes in the second half of the match held in Guadalajara, Mexico, after Álex Baena had scored for Spain before halftime.
Concerns arose that Pino might have fractured his collarbone, which would end his World Cup campaign, while Williams sustained a muscle injury, just after returning from a previous injury.
In an update released Saturday, the Spanish football federation reported that Pino had not suffered a fracture, while Williams was diagnosed with a muscle injury to his right abductor.
“Both injuries are of moderate severity, and their recovery will determine their availability,” stated the federation.
Williams has faced challenges this season, struggling with form and fitness at Athletic Club in LaLiga and now with the national team.
“Today is one of the worst days of my life,” he reflected in a social media post. “I’ve been injured again after an extremely challenging year in which I battled against pubalgia, but ultimately triumphed through dedication and responsibility.”
“I overcame that injury, only for another hamstring issue to test me again. Despite dealing with setbacks, I persevered. Yesterday, I faced another injury due to a challenge from a fellow player, stemming from frustration and disappointment. It was a situation that could have been avoided and was entirely unnecessary.”
Nevertheless, he is determined, stating, “The story is not over; see you soon in this World Cup.”
Spain is set to play their round of 32 match on Thursday in the Los Angeles area against the runners-up from Group J, either Austria or Algeria.
Reporting contributed by ESPN’s Alex Kirkland.