Nico Williams Out for Weeks Due to Groin Injury

Nico Williams, a 23-year-old winger for Athletic Bilbao, has been ruled out of action for several weeks due to a groin problem, as announced by the La Liga club on Monday. The injury, which has developed four months ahead of the World Cup, has led Williams to begin treatment from an external specialist to address pubalgia.

Athletic Bilbao has not provided a fixed return date, and the club's coach, Ernesto Valverde, confirmed that Williams is not at 100 percent and will miss upcoming matches, including the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Basque rivals Real Sociedad on March 4. Spain's coach, Luis de la Fuente, is concerned about Williams' absence as the team prepares for Euro 2024.

Additionally, Barcelona winger Lamin Yamal, a vital player for Spain, has suffered a similar groin issue earlier in the season but seems to have recovered and regained form in recent weeks.