Spain’s World Cup squad faces a potential setback as Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams remain sidelined following injuries sustained during the team’s match against Uruguay. Neither player is expected to return in the immediate knockout stages, though both could rejoin the squad if Spain advances deep into the tournament.
Williams, returning from prior injury to build fitness, suffered a hamstring strain during the match. Pino, who replaced Lamine Yamal in the second half, sustained a shoulder injury after a physical challenge. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has classified both injuries as “medium” severity, indicating recovery timelines remain uncertain but not catastrophic.
Reports suggest the likelihood of either player participating in upcoming matches is low. However, medical staff are monitoring progress, with hopes they might contribute if Spain reaches later tournament stages. Pino’s shoulder injury and Williams’ hamstring strain are under ongoing evaluation, with no immediate timeline for their return.
Williams has publicly criticized Nicolas de la Cruz, the Uruguayan midfielder who delivered the challenge that injured him. Describing the incident as a deliberate act, Williams stated on social media that the collision was “a play that could have been avoided” and accused de la Cruz of acting out of frustration. “It was the worst day of my life,” Williams wrote, vowing not to abandon the team despite the severity of his injury.
The Spanish federation has not commented on the accusation, but the incident underscores growing tensions in high-stakes World Cup matches. For Spain, the focus remains on navigating the knockout rounds with the current squad, while hoping for a late return from injured key players.
