The forward leaves Spain’s match against Turkey before halftime with discomfort in his adductors, probably due to pubalgia, and will undergo medical tests in Bilbao.
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Athletic Bilbao are facing an anxious wait after a worrying setback involving Nico Williams, one of their most influential players and a cornerstone of their attacking play.
The 22-year-old winger, who has become a key figure both for his club and the Spanish national team, was forced to leave Spain’s friendly against Turkey before halftime after suffering pain in his adductor area. Nico immediately signaled to the bench that he could not continue, a rare gesture from a player known for his resilience and determination to play through discomfort. His withdrawal has set off alarm bells in Bilbao, as Athletic are less than 10 days away from their highly anticipated Champions League opener against Arsenal at San Mamés.
The younger of the Williams brothers, Nico has grown into a star over the past two seasons, admired for his pace, dribbling ability, and direct attacking style. Alongside his brother Iñaki, he has helped shape Athletic into a dynamic, forward-thinking team. His potential absence would not only weaken the squad technically but could also impact the morale of a side that has been eagerly preparing for its return to Europe’s elite competition. For fans, the timing could hardly be worse, with a crucial run of fixtures on the horizon.
Nico is scheduled to return to Bilbao on Monday, where Athletic’s medical staff will take immediate charge of his recovery process. Upon arrival, he will undergo detailed imaging tests to determine the extent of the problem. The club’s doctors are particularly concerned because the area affected coincides with the pubalgia he has been managing since last season. Despite efforts to address the issue through conservative treatments, including rest, physiotherapy, and adapted training sessions, the problem has never fully disappeared and continues to flare up at key moments.
This latest setback has raised doubts not only about Nico’s availability for the Champions League clash against Arsenal but also for the first Basque derby of the season, when Athletic face Alavés at San Mamés next weekend. Both matches carry significant importance: the European tie is one of the club’s most eagerly awaited fixtures in recent years, while the derby holds immense regional pride and is always a demanding, physical contest. Losing Nico for either occasion would be a severe blow to Athletic’s aspirations.
The outcome of the medical scans will be decisive in outlining the player’s short-term future. If the problem is assessed as a minor strain, there remains hope that Nico could recover in time with intensive treatment and limited training loads. However, if the scans reveal that the pain is linked to his recurring pubalgia, the situation becomes more complex. A moderate aggravation would require enforced rest, while repeated flare-ups would almost certainly trigger discussions about surgical intervention.
Such a decision would not be taken lightly, but specialists know that surgery often becomes the only definitive solution to chronic pubalgia. For Nico, this would mean a minimum absence of six weeks, ruling him out not only of the Champions League group stage opener but also of several crucial La Liga fixtures. Beyond the immediate sporting consequences, it would also hinder his rhythm and momentum in what was expected to be another breakout season for the winger.
Athletic Bilbao now find themselves at a crossroads. The club, their supporters, and even the Spanish national team are anxiously awaiting updates, aware that Nico’s fitness will play a decisive role in shaping the coming months. His energy, creativity, and attacking drive have made him indispensable, and his absence would force manager Ernesto Valverde to rethink his tactical plans. Options such as Alex Berenguer or Gorka Guruzeta could fill the gap, but neither brings quite the same dynamism and unpredictability that Nico provides.
For now, all eyes are on the medical tests and the verdict they will bring. Supporters are clinging to hope that this setback is only temporary, but the looming possibility of a more serious injury has cast a shadow over what was supposed to be a celebratory moment: Athletic’s long-awaited return to the Champions League stage.
Updated: 09:55, 7 Sep 2025
