MADRID (AP) 鈥 Spain forward Nico Williams had to be substituted before halftime in Athletic Bilbao鈥檚 1-0 loss to Valencia at home on Sunday, prompting concerns ahead of the .
Williams appeared to suffer a hamstring injury and was replaced by brother I帽aki Williams in the 37th minute at San Mam茅s stadium.
Nico Williams had already been sidelined for several weeks earlier this year because of another injury.
Athletic did not immediately release details about Sunday鈥檚 issue.
鈥淗e was limping a lot. He hadn’t felt that type of pain before,鈥 I帽aki Williams said. 鈥淚t’s concerning considering the moment we are right now. Let’s wait and hope for the best possible scenario.”
The 23-year-old Nico Williams has been a regular in Spain鈥檚 squad, playing in attack along with Barcelona鈥檚 Lamine Yamal, who is also injured.
Spain coach Luis de La Fuente is set to announce a 55-name pre-list for the World Cup on Monday.
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