Spain's Nico Williams out 3 weeks with hamstring injury

Nico Williams, a key winger for Spain's national team, suffered a moderate left hamstring injury during Athletic Bilbao's 1-0 home loss to Valencia on Sunday, raising concerns for the European champions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The 23-year-old was substituted in the 36th minute at San Mames Stadium after limping off in visible distress, mouthing "it can't be" as medical staff assisted him. He was replaced by his brother, Iñaki Williams, and later sat on the bench with ice on his left hamstring. Athletic Bilbao issued a medical report confirming a moderate muscle injury in the hamstring but provided no specific recovery timeline. Sources close to the player indicated the issue is less severe than initially feared, with an expected absence of around three weeks.

The injury will sideline Williams for Athletic's final three La Liga matches against Espanyol, Celta Vigo and Real Madrid. The club, positioned mid-table with little at stake, loses a vital attacker who has recorded six goals and three assists in 25 league appearances this season. Williams, who signed a 10-year contract extension with his boyhood club last summer despite interest from Barcelona and Bayern Munich, has...