Nico Williams projected to start in Athletic Club’s La Liga opener

Nico Williams only returned to Athletic Club training earlier this week, although that was ahead of schedule for the 22-year-old, whose future has been under the microscope for much of the summer. He’s missed the vast majority of pre-season, although he is still progressing well ahead of the 2024-25 campaign kicking off.

Williams missed Athletic’s friendly against Aston Villa on Wednesday, although he was present at training on Thursday with the remainder of the players that did not make the trip to England. MD say that he is aiming to start against Getafe next week in Los Leones’ opening match of the new season.

Alvaro Djalo’s injury means that it is more essential for Williams to be present at San Mames next Thursday. Julen Agirrezabala, who will be Athletic Club’s starting goalkeeper for the next few months while Unai Simon recovers from wrist surgery, is also aiming to start against Getafe, as he enters the final stages of his return from a back problem.