Nico Williams will once again be sidelined at Athletic Club. The Spanish international winger has not recovered from his chronic pubalgia issues and, according to El Chiringuito, will try a new treatment that will keep him out of action for 6 to 8 weeks.

The goal of the treatment is to avoid surgery, which would be the alternative if this therapy proves ineffective. The first conservative approach implemented by the club did not improve the injury, which has limited his performance and playing time with the rojiblanca shirt. Since the end of last season, Nico has experienced constant discomfort, affecting his ability to accelerate and change pace—something common among players with a high physical load. For example, Lamine Yamal has recently faced similar issues.

Having played 22 matches this season, Nico has scored four goals and provided five assists. His main goal is to be ready for the World Cup, which will take place this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as undergoing surgery would practically eliminate his chances of being called up by Luis de la Fuente.

“The winger’s absence is a heavy blow for Ernesto Valverde at a critical point in the season. Eliminated from the Champions League and sitting eleventh in LaLiga EA Sports, Athletic Club is closer to the relegation zone (4 points) than to European spots (9 points). This week, the Bilbao side will face Valencia in the Copa del Rey quarterfinals at Mestalla.

To cover Nico’s absence, Valverde has relied on players like Berenguer and Robert Navarro, who will once again play prominent roles in the coming weeks.

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