By: Nana Kwame Bediako
Athletic Bilbao’s striker, Inaki Williams, is set to miss the crucial final round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The Black Stars will face off against Angola and Niger without their key forward, following confirmation from his club that the 30-year-old has sustained a hamstring injury. This development comes at a critical time as Ghana aims to secure its spot in the prestigious tournament.
The news of Williams’ injury emerged after Athletic Bilbao announced that the striker would be unavailable for their upcoming La Liga match against Real Valladolid. Scheduled to take place at the José Zorrilla Stadium, the game will proceed without Williams, who has been a pivotal player for the Spanish club. The club’s statement highlighted that Williams had strained his left hamstring muscles, ruling him out of the weekend clash.
Williams, who has been in impressive form this season with five goals to his name, was initially included in Ghana’s 25-man squad for the AFCON qualifiers. His absence is expected to be felt deeply by the Black Stars, who rely heavily on his attacking prowess and experience on the international stage. The timing of the injury is particularly unfortunate, as Ghana prepares to face two challenging opponents in their quest for qualification.
In the wake of this setback, Williams is scheduled to undergo a scan on Monday to assess the severity of his hamstring injury. The results will determine the duration of his recovery and his potential return to both club and international duties.
This incident not only impacts Ghana’s immediate plans but also raises questions about player fitness and management during critical periods of the football calendar. The situation presents an opportunity for other players in the Ghanaian squad to step up and fill the void left by Williams, potentially reshaping the team’s dynamics and strategies in the upcoming qualifiers.
