Spain's World Cup hopes rocked by double wing blow: Pino likely out, Williams a major doubt
Spain progressed to the round of 32 as group winners but may have lost forwards Yeremy Pino and Nico Williams to injury after a bruising 1-0 victory over Uruguay in Guadalajara.
Yeremy Pino’s suspected broken collarbone
Pino came on as a 65th-minute substitute against Uruguay and was injured late on when he landed awkwardly on his left shoulder after a collision with Rodrigo Bentancur. He remained on the pitch in visible pain, unable to move his arm, because Spain had already used all five substitutions. Head coach Luis de la Fuente said afterwards:
The 23-year-old, who was in tears after the match, is almost certainly ruled out of the rest of the tournament. Tests will be conducted at Spain’s base in Chattanooga, Tennessee.It was heroic what he did. He probably has a broken collarbone.
Nico Williams carries a groin concern
Williams, a key figure during Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, entered the tournament nursing a groin injury and did not start any of the group-stage matches. He was introduced in the 75th minute but suffered a heavy tackle from Nicolás de la Cruz, leaving him limping after full-time. De la Fuente described it as
and said the team would wait for further assessment. His availability for the last-32 tie on July 2 in Los Angeles is unclear.a slight discomfort, maybe an overload or fatigue
Spain’s attack depth under strain
With Pino out and Williams a doubt, De la Fuente now has only two fit specialist wingers: Lamine Yamal and Álex Baena. Yamal is still regaining sharpness after a hamstring injury, while Baena was named MVP against Uruguay. The coach acknowledged the possibility of repositioning Gavi or Dani Olmo, saying:
Spain face the winner of Austria versus Algeria on July 2.If we have to play without wingers, we will play without wingers.
A bruising encounter in Guadalajara
The match was marked by Uruguay’s aggressive approach under Marcelo Bielsa.
defender Pau Cubarsí noted diplomatically. De la Fuente admitted the gameWe took a few extra hits,
. The physical toll leaves Spain as group winners but at a cost that could shape their tournament path.tested us in intensity and demands
