Newcastle United will take on Athletic Club Bilbao in the Champions League at St James’ Park on Wednesday.
The La Liga side’s manager, Ernesto Valverde, could be without Nico Williams to face the Magpies.
That’s according to Marca, who report Williams is uncertain for the midweek European tie against Newcastle.
The forward has a goal and two assists from eight matches this season. He was sidelined for close to a month with a groin injury and returned to the pitch last month.
Last weekend, the Spain international came off the bench in his side’s 3-2 defeat to Real Sociedad. He ‘continues to struggle from discomfort’.
Marca report his season hasn’t take off yet as he’s been ‘hampered by pubalgia’. It’s claimed the treatment he’s undergoing requires him to train alone a lot. This could now impact him for the upcoming fixtures.
According to the report, the 23-year-old is uncertain to face Newcastle and is doubtful of representing Spain for the upcoming international break.
The newspaper states the Basque club’s medical staff are considering various alternatives. They have also consulted external specialities to help Williams regain full fitness.
Marca add the surgery remains the worst-case scenario. If he were to go under the knife, Williams is expected to be sidelined for three months.