Nico Williams
Ranking
Timeline
Grades
Key Grades
This season
Overall Grades by game
This season
Matches
News
Involved in full training
Williams (hamstring) has continued to make progress in his recovery, completing Saturday's practice with the Spanish national team, Alfredo Martinez of Onda Cero reports.
Analysis: Williams' return to full training represents a boost to his chances of appearing in the World Cup opener against Cape Verde, although he's not yet expected to start. Instead, he'll offer a quality backup option behind Alex Baena or Dani Olmo on the left flank. Before missing the final three games of the La Liga season, Williams posted two goals and an assist over a string of five starts for Athletic Bilbao between April and May. As soon as he's back on the field, he'll serve as an offensive threat with high dribbling and playmaking upside, playing for a national team that is expected to dominate in all of its group phase matches.
Could feature in opener
Williams (hamstring) is expected to be available for some minutes in Spain's World Cup opener against Cape Verde on Monday, with his recovery from his injury progressing within the expected timeline, according to SER Deportivos.
Analysis: Williams had been confirmed with a two to three week absence after an MRI ruled out any tendon damage, and the positive update suggests he will be ready to contribute when Spain's tournament begins in Atlanta. Coach Luis de la Fuente is expected to manage his minutes carefully in the opener to avoid any risk of a setback, with the Athletic Club winger's explosive direct threat on the left flank a weapon Spain will be eager to deploy as the competition progresses.
Explore more players
Kylian Mbappé
Lamine Yamal
Federico Valverde
Vedat Muriqi
Select Player
Search and select a player to compare