Ifa world cup

IFA World Cup: Athletic Club of Bilbao face an anxious wait over the groin injury suffered by winger Nico Williams during Spain's 6-0 victory over Turkey in Sunday's FIFA World Cup qualifier. The 23-year-old was forced off just before halftime, limping from the pitch while clutching the left side of his groin.

"It is a shame," Spain coach Luis de la Fuente said afterwards, noting Williams felt "a slight pain in his abductor and he will need to have a test, but it looks like a muscle problem."

Should the injury be confirmed, it would deal a major blow to Athletic ahead of a demanding schedule. The Basque side resumes La Liga action next Saturday with a derby against Alaves, followed by its Champions League opener at home to Arsenal, kicking off a stretch of seven matches in 22 days, reports Xinhua.