Athletic Bilbao attacker Nico Williams has said that he is “feeling pretty good” about his troublesome groin issue, with the injury currently being managed by the club’s medical staff.
The 22-year-old has scored 11 goals and registered seven assists in 43 appearances for Athletic this season, including five goals and two assists in 12 Europa League matches, with the Lions currently preparing to take on Manchester United in the first leg of their semi-final.
Williams has not started any of Athletic’s last three league matches, and he only played the final 25 minutes of the team’s 1-0 success over Las Palmas last time out, but the Spain international is set to be back in the XI against Man United.
“It’s a problem I’ve been carrying with me this season. I always do my best to get to the game and play, to see if I can hold on. I think I’m pretty good,” Williams told reporters.
“The doctors and the coaching staff are managing my playing time well, and I’m feeling pretty good and calm.”
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Williams “super happy” at Athletic
Williams was also quizzed on his future during Wednesday’s press conference, with the attacker believed to be the subject of interest from both Arsenal and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.
Barcelona activated the £48m buy-out clause in his Athletic contract last summer, but he rejected a switch to Hansi Flick‘s team, and it is understood that the Catalan outfit have since dropped their interest.
“The dream is to lift the champion’s trophy at San Mames. I have the opportunity to make history at this club. The dream never ends. I’m 100% focused on tomorrow, on reaching the final and winning it. I don’t want to look any further. I’m super happy here and feel well. I’ve always wanted to feel important here. This is a 10/10 season for me,” he said.
Williams, who played an important role in Spain winning Euro 2024, has scored 31 goals and registered 30 assists in 165 appearances for Athletic, and he has a contract at San Mames until June 2027.
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Valverde determined to keep Williams at San Mames
Athletic head coach Ernesto Valverde is hopeful that Williams will remain with the club on a long-term basis.
“He has had a very good season and there has been some speculation. We hope that he is with us next season and for many years because we want to have the best players,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Williams’ availability is a huge boost for Athletic heading into Thursday’s match, but the La Liga team will be without the services of Oihan Sancet due to an injury problem.
Sancet has been in excellent form for the Lions during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring 17 times and registering three assists in 32 appearances in all competitions, including two goals and two assists in seven Europa League outings.
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