Luis de la Fuente assures Nico Williams has a 'strain,' not an 'injury'

Spanish national football team coach Luis de la Fuente has clarified that player Nico Williams is suffering from a "strain" rather than the "muscle injury in his right adductor" initially reported. This distinction offers hope for Williams' potential return to play in the ongoing World Cup.

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Nico doesn't have the injury we thought; it's a strain, but this discomfort might prevent him from playing in the round of 16.

While Williams is confirmed to miss the upcoming match against Austria, the focus is on his recovery for the knockout stages. De la Fuente expressed optimism, stating, "Nico doesn't have the injury we thought; it's a strain, but this discomfort might prevent him from playing in the round of 16." He added, "I see Nico well; I spoke with him yesterday. The medical services recommend that he resume activity in the coming days. Players have to take a certain risk, and the players are willing."

Williams himself had shared a somber message on social media, calling it "one of the worst days" of his life after the initial medical report following a tackle in the match against Uruguay. However, after speaking with the coach, his demeanor changed.

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I see Nico well; I spoke with him yesterday. The medical services recommend that he resume activity in the coming days. Players have to take a certain risk, and the players are willing.

"After talking to me, he was different, he seemed not to have any discomfort. In the heat of the moment, it's legitimate to say that, to show you're hurting. But the next day, his attitude in the group was different, one of joy," explained de la Fuente, highlighting the player's resilience and desire to return to the field.

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After talking to me, he was different, he seemed not to have any discomfort. In the heat of the moment, it's legitimate to say that, to show you're hurting. But the next day, his attitude in the group was different, one of joy.