Nico Williams criticizes Uruguay over World Cup injury

Spain winger Nico Williams described the latest injury setback as “one of the worst days of his life” and blamed Uruguay for the 1‑0 defeat that ended their World Cup campaign.

If Spain fail to progress, Williams may miss the remainder of the tournament after sustaining a muscle injury caused by a lunge from Nicolas de la Cruz.

Moments later, Agustín Canobbio received a straight red card for diving on Pau Cubarsi as the two‑time World Cup winners bowed out in disgrace.

Williams has had an injury‑disrupted season at Athletic Bilbao and only made brief substitute appearances in Spain’s three group games.

“Today is one of the worst days of my life. I am injured again after a very difficult year,” the 23‑year‑old posted on social media.

“Yesterday, I suffered a new injury following an incident where a fellow professional acted out of frustration, unhappiness, and sadness over the situation he was going through.”

“In my opinion, it was a play that could have been avoided, as it was completely unnecessary. But this won’t stop me.”

The Spanish Football Federation said Williams had suffered a “moderate” injury and still had a chance to return later in the tournament.

There was better news for the European champions as a scan on Yeremy Pino ruled out a fractured collarbone.

The Crystal Palace midfielder also now has a chance of returning before the end of the World Cup.

The loss of both players would have been a major blow to Spain’s chances of winning the tournament, with Luis de la Fuente’s options in wide areas already limited.

Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal has not played a full 90 minutes in over two months as he is nursed back to fitness after a hamstring injury, while new Liverpool signing Victor Muñoz is yet to feature at the World Cup due to fitness problems.

After topping Group H, Spain will face either Austria or Algeria in the last 32 in Los Angeles on Thursday.

AFP