Valverde at wit's end over Nico Williams injury saga: "We can't continue like this"
Athletic Club boss Ernesto Valverde expresses growing frustration as Nico Williams' persistent groin issues continue to disrupt his season and availability.
Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has reached the end of his tether regarding Nico Williams’ ongoing fitness problems, as the Spanish international was left out of the squad for their trip to Oviedo.
”We can’t continue like this”
Valverde didn’t mince his words when discussing the situation with Movistar before the match, making it crystal clear that the current approach to managing Williams’ injury isn’t sustainable.
“Nico has problems and isn’t at 100%,” explained the gaffer, who made the decision to leave the winger at home in hopes he might finally recover properly in the coming days.
The talented 21-year-old has been battling a persistent groin issue (pubalgia) since last season, with the problem flaring up at various points throughout that time. It was particularly nasty towards the end of the previous campaign, and this season it’s gone from bad to worse after his international duty with Spain.
Since returning to Bilbao with adductor damage, Williams has struggled to string together consistent appearances – a proper nightmare for both player and club given his importance to Athletic’s attack.
Desperate measures
The situation has become so concerning that Athletic and Williams have sought opinions from four different specialists, exploring various treatment options. The club’s sporting director Mikel González recently revealed they’re working on a new recovery plan:
- Continue alternating between treatment and competition for now
- If improvement doesn’t come, consider shutting Williams down for several weeks
- Use that time to strengthen the affected area
With Dani Vivian also missing through a muscle injury, Athletic’s squad is looking a bit thin on the ground as they head to Oviedo without two of their international stars.
Valverde’s frustration is understandable – Williams is absolutely crucial to Athletic’s ambitions this season, particularly as they continue their Copa del Rey campaign where they’ve already reached the semi-finals against Real Sociedad.
The club now faces a difficult balancing act between short-term needs and ensuring their diamond geezer doesn’t suffer long-term damage that could affect his promising career.