Nico Williams injury leaves Athletic ‘scared’

Nico Williams is causing concern at Athletic Club because of a potential serious injury that he is nursing that could have a dramatic effect on the transfer market.

The Spain international winger is expected to leave his current club in the summer, with the winger boasting a release clause of €58 million in his current deal.

Teams from across Europe are following his situation closely, with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona particularly associated with the 22-year-old attacker. Manchester City are the latest club to register an interest.

Athletic, though, are on “tenterhooks” over an injury problem that could change everything for Nico.

He was taken off during the Basque side’s 2-1 win over Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Wednesday with an injury that has “scared” brother Inaki Williams.

Estadio Deportivo reports that Athletic might be publicly playing down the injury as a result of the collision, but the swelling is severe and there are concerns that Nico’s knee ligaments could be damaged.

“The club remains on tenterhooks until they carry out another medical test where they can know the exact extent of the injury,” it reports.

“The club is concerned about the physical condition of its star player, as the swelling could be caused by the blow alone, which would keep him out for a few days, or, on the contrary, caused by an injury to his knee ligaments.”

Inaki ‘scared’ by Nico blow

Nico Williams immediately cried out when he suffered the blow, and Inaki admits it was a moment that left him worried.

“I’ve spoken to him,” Inaki, who scored both Athletic goals in the clash, said. “I was scared on the pitch because when it’s the knee, it can seem more serious than it is.

“It’s quite swollen now, but let’s hope as the days go by and the pain goes down, we can count on him as soon as possible.”

A serious injury for Nico Williams would naturally have serious repercussions for Athletic, but also the player, who expects to take a big step in his career next summer.