Nico Williams Undergoes Intensive Treatment Amid Injury Concerns

omidbasir- Despite efforts to manage his injury through tailored training and limited playing time, Athletic Club has ultimately decided to pull 23-year-old winger Nico Williams from action, particularly after his absence in their recent La Liga victory.

The situation has escalated, prompting a strong response from Athletic’s coach, Ernesto Valverde, regarding the winger’s declining physical condition. “Nico has issues and is not at 100 percent. We cannot continue like this. We are exploring various options, currently alternating treatment with competition, and if he does not improve, we are considering a break of a few weeks to strengthen the affected area,” Valverde stated. Consequently, Nico has commenced a specialized treatment regimen involving external specialists to address the root of his pain.

The seriousness of this injury has also been echoed by his brother, Inaki Williams, who noted the significant emotional and physical strain on Nico. After the match against Oviedo, Inaki candidly expressed the difficulties Nico has been enduring. “He’s in a bad way; he has been dealing with discomfort since September. Some days are better than others with pubalgia. He mentioned last week that he was starting to see the light, but now it seems he’s taken two or three steps back,” Inaki revealed.

The statistical impact of this injury on Nico’s season is stark. He has participated in 26 matches across all competitions, yet only managed to start 18, with his influence notably diminished compared to his impressive form last season. His total playtime of 1,728 minutes is nearly 1,200 minutes less than that of teammate Mikel Jauregizar, highlighting the considerable time Nico has spent sidelined or being cautious. Inaki reiterated that Nico had begun to see improvement, only to experience a setback, prompting the club to explore more aggressive non-surgical treatment options.

The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate, given the impending 2026 World Cup. There are rising concerns that if conservative treatments fail, surgery may become necessary, which would likely end Nico’s season and jeopardize his participation in the tournament in North America. Reports indicate that recovery from such surgery could take at least two months, potentially extending to three or four months, leaving inadequate time for him to regain match fitness ahead of the June kickoff. Spain’s manager, Luis de la Fuente, will be monitoring the situation closely, as Williams is a key component of the national team’s offense.

Athletic Club’s director of football, Mikel Gonzalez, has outlined a cautious plan to avoid surgery. Earlier this month, Gonzalez stated, “We are exploring various avenues, and if he does not recover, we will contemplate a break to focus on strengthening treatment for his abdominal issues.” This hiatus has now officially commenced. While the club has not publicly specified a timeline for his return, sources indicate he will likely be unavailable for at least four weeks, raising doubts about his participation in the upcoming Copa del Rey semi-final against Real Sociedad.

Choosing to forego surgery is a calculated risk for the Basque club. Modern medical opinions often advise against operating on pubalgia for explosive athletes, as it could result in a permanent loss of the speed and agility that make Nico such a formidable player on the field. The medical staff remains convinced that surgery does not guarantee a complete recovery and could sideline Nico for three to six months.

For now, the San Mames supporters must remain hopeful that this period of rest and core strengthening will effectively resolve the issue. The club is under no pressure to expedite his return, with Inaki suggesting that the current schedule allows for a patient approach. However, the lack of a clear timeline regarding his availability for crucial matches casts a shadow of uncertainty over Bilbao’s season. As Nico strives to salvage his season and World Cup aspirations, Athletic Club will have to adapt to playing without their most dynamic player.