Real Madrid handed unexpected boost as Athletic Club confirm absence of star forward | OneFootball

Real Madrid have received a significant boost just before their crucial La Liga encounter against Athletic Club, with confirmation that star winger Nico Williams will miss the match due to injury.

The timing of this development works strongly in favour of Los Blancos, who are looking to bounce back from a tough week and keep pace with their rivals in the title race.

Carlo Ancelotti’s side are still reeling from their unexpected Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal. That defeat left questions surrounding the team’s form and mentality.

Now, the focus shifts back to domestic duties, and the clash with Athletic Club is one of the key games left on the calendar.

A win is not only necessary to keep title hopes alive but also to respond to Barcelona’s recent victory against Celta Vigo.

Athletic, on the other hand, are chasing a top-four finish and were expected to be a difficult opponent at the Santiago Bernabeu. However, that task now looks much harder without their most dangerous player on the pitch.

Nico Williams’ injury alters Athletic’s plans

Athletic CLub will be without Nico Williams. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

With only a day left before the match, Athletic Club released their official squad list for the trip to Madrid. Fans were quick to notice the absence of Nico, who has been one of the most explosive and consistent performers this season.

It was later confirmed that the Spanish winger is suffering from pubalgia, an issue that flared up at the worst possible time for his team.

“The player Nico Williams will not travel to Madrid to play the match against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu stadium due to a pubalgia. Pending evolution,” wrote Athletic in an official statement.

For Real Madrid, this presents an opportunity to take full control of the match and push for a convincing win that can restore confidence.

With the title race heating up and every match counting, this could be the small advantage Real Madrid needed at just the right moment.