Nico Williams has opened up on the mental and physical toll of the past year and a half after suffering a fresh injury during Spain’s group stage win over Uruguay at the 2026 World Cup, leaving his involvement in the rest of the tournament in doubt.

The Athletic Club winger had only come on as a substitute in the 76th minute, before picking up the issue following a challenge from Nicolas de la Cruz, who was booked for the tackle.

Williams has endured persistent fitness problems in the last 18 months, and this latest setback has clearly hit hard, with the 23-year-old reflecting on just how much he’s had to overcome to get back on the pitch.

Nico Williams Details Year Of “Suffering” And “Anxiety”

Via Reuters

Williams, who has been subject to transfer interest from Arsenal, didn’t hold back when describing what he’s been through before reflecting on the latest blow.

He continued by detailing just how much the injury affected his daily life, admitting: “It was a year and a half of suffering, sadness, uncertainty, and anxiety. I didn’t know when I’d be able to play without pain again or when I’d get back to a normal life. I even got to the point of living with the pain in things as simple as going to the bathroom, getting in and out of the car, or just enjoying day-to-day life.”

See what Williams had to say in full below:

Spain Winger Vows Latest Setback “Won’t Stop” Him

Annegret Hilse via Reuters

Turning to the incident involving De la Cruz, Williams suggested frustration played a part in the challenge that caused his injury.

“It was a play that, in my opinion, could have been avoided because it was completely unnecessary.”

Despite the disappointment, Williams remained defiant, insisting that there’s a chance he’ll be seen playing again during the tournament: “But this won’t stop me either. I know God has a plan for me, and I’ll keep fighting until the very last moment to get back to doing what I love most: playing soccer, being happy, and bringing joy to many.” Before going on to say that “the story isn’t over—we’ll see each other as soon as possible in this World Cup.”

It’s been a forgettable World Cup for Uruguay, and the manner of their exit has only added to that reputation. Agustin Canobbio was shown a straight red card in the same match for diving in on Pau Cubarsi, leading to some chaotic scenes as tempers flared late on.

The defeat means Uruguay finish bottom of Group H and head home without a single win to their name this summer, leaving Williams’ injury as just one of several incidents that have left a sour taste from their campaign.

Everton are looking at potential midfield additions this summer, as Marca claims the Toffees are eyeing a deal for a World Cup star in the transfer market.

There is uncertainty specifically surrounding the future of Idrissa Gana Gueye, as the experienced midfielder’s contract comes to an end at the beginning of next month.

In the retained list, the club confirmed that talks were continuing over a potential extension for the 36-year-old, with no confirmation over fresh terms as things stand.

While that could yet signal an exit for him, Everton are looking at other midfield options, one of which is an international teammate of Gueye.

Everton Want Pape Gueye Transfer

A potential replacement for Idrissa Gueye could be his international teammate Pape Gueye, who has been impressing for Senegal in the World Cup this summer.

Marca reports that Everton are keen on a deal for the 27-year-old midfielder, with Villarreal expecting to sell the star for a big fee in the coming weeks of the transfer market.

The Toffees hold an advantage over some of their rivals in the race, as it’s claimed that Gueye is prioritising a move to the Premier League over any other option.

That only remains an advantage if they are the only team from England eyeing up a deal, as others in the division could soon enter the race for his signature.

Gueye made 39 appearances for Villarreal last season, scoring five goals and assisting twice. While he impressed with those displays, it’s at the World Cup where the Senegal star is really showing his class and quality.

Gueye Impresses At The World Cup

Amber Searls/ Imagn Images via Reuters

The World Cup is platforming plenty of top stars, with the competition likely to play a huge part in some key transfer switches across the world.

Everton could benefit from that, with Gueye being among those who have impressed in the tournament so far, following three group stage matches.

The 27-year-old’s most recent appearance came against Iraq, where he picked up two goals and an assist in a 5-0 win. In the process, he became the first African player in the World Cup to get three goal involvements in one match.

That was the moment he became a record-breaker in the competition, with Senegal now dreaming of putting together a deep run with Gueye at the heart of the midfield.

Arsenal could face a battle to land one of their striker transfer targets this summer, as Sport reports that Barcelona are also eyeing a possible deal.

The Gunners are in the market for a possible centre-forward addition, despite making the move to sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP last year.

Over the course of last season, the Sweden international came up with some important goals as he bagged 21 goals across all competitions.

There was plenty left to be desired, however, and in the long-term, Arsenal may be considering their next move at centre-forward to add another clinical option.

One target is Eli Junior Kroupi, who the Gunners are now facing even more competition to sign.

Barcelona Want Kroupi Transfer

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Bournemouth striker Kroupi, who impressed in his debut campaign in the Premier League last season.

The forward scored 13 goals in the Premier League, aged just 20, showing plenty of quality and some potential to grow even further in the future.

Bournemouth have set a transfer price tag worth over £100 million to secure a move for Kroupi, an expensive deal but one that may be worth it as the Gunners look to repeat their success in the Premier League.

That said, there is competition for his signature, as Sport now reports that Barcelona are monitoring a deal for the Frenchman as a potential option this summer.

Kroupi is viewed as a “Plan B” to Barca for Julian Alvarez, as a transfer saga surrounding the Atletico Madrid star continues to drag out in public.

The deal could put Arsenal on the back foot in any approach for the Bournemouth ace, as they are busy pursuing midfield options as it stands.

It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will make an offer, and whether it will be enough to tempt the Cherries into sanctioning an exit.

However, it could still work in Arsenal’s favour if a move does come about.

Julian Alvarez to Arsenal Impact

If Barcelona do end up moving for Kroupi, it may come as a blow for Arsenal, but it could also open up another deal for the side this summer.

Alvarez has been a target for the Gunners for some time now, but a move currently seems unlikely while the versatile striker pushes to join Barca.

If the Catalonian side push to land Kroupi instead, that is likely to close off the route to Alvarez, opening up a possible deal for Mikel Arteta’s team instead.

It remains to be seen just how possible that is, with Atletico Madrid seemingly holding firm on their stance that no sale will be happening this summer.