Nico Williams' injury less severe, targets return for round of 16

Nico Williams' injury suffered in Spain's win over Uruguay is less severe than initially feared, with the winger now targeting a return for the round of 16 if Spain advances past Austria. After the match, Williams posted an emotional message calling it "one of the worst days of my life," but subsequent tests showed only a moderate adductor strain, not a more serious tear Source: RFEF via elconfidencial.

Initially, Spain's medical staff reported a "moderate" muscle injury, but coach Luis de la Fuente later said it was "just an overload" and that Williams was cleared to play Source: abces. The player himself confirmed: "I feel fine, it's been much less than I expected. I was praying to see if the Virgin would appear and luckily she heard me" Source: infobae. He now hopes to be available for the next round.

The Season Behind

Williams has struggled with a long-standing pubalgia that limited him all season. He described the toll: "There were days I couldn't get out of bed… I had to train and play medicated" Source: elnacionalve. The Athletic Bilbao star also criticized Uruguay's Nicolás de la Cruz for the tackle that triggered the injury, calling it "completely unnecessary" Source: lavozar.