Lamine Yamal<\/strong><\/a> is on the verge of capturing another, albeit unofficial, trophy with Spain<\/strong>, as they\u2019re set to face Argentina<\/strong> in the Finalissima<\/strong><\/a> this March. As the date to meet legend Lionel Messi<\/strong> on the pitch approaches, the 18-year-old has been dealt a major setback, with one of La Roja\u2019s star teammates now in doubt for the final<\/strong>.<\/p>\n With less than two months until the clash and anticipation building, preparations are already underway, with Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni reportedly drawing up plans to limit Yamal\u2019s influence<\/strong><\/a>. While Spain are far from dependent on the teenager, the options for head coach Luis de la Fuente could end up being reduced for the match.<\/p>\n As revealed by Athletic Bilbao, Nico Williams<\/strong><\/a> will be sidelined for an undetermined period while receiving treatment for pubalgia<\/strong>. The 23-year-old already missed last Sunday\u2019s match against Real Oviedo and will now begin a recovery process that could jeopardize his availability for the Finalissima.<\/p>\n Alongside confirming the injury to Mikel Jauregizar, Athletic Club released a statement addressing the winger\u2019s status. \u201cThe footballer has begun treatment with an external specialist to treat his pubalgia<\/strong>, with specific work that, pending his progress, will cause him to be unavailable for upcoming matches,<\/em>\u201d the statement read, while also revealed that the recovery timeline for both players \u201cremains to be seen.<\/strong><\/em>\u201c<\/p>\n Lamine Yamal of Spain celebrates scoring with Nico Williams.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Alongside Yamal, Williams is one of Spain<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s most dangerous dribblers in one-on-one situations, and finding a like-for-like replacement in the current squad would be difficult. The winger also missed four straight club matches in September with a groin injury and was absent from Spain\u2019s squads during the October and November international windows<\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n see also<\/p>\n Lionel Messi\u2019s 2026 World Cup hopes in doubt after reported coach Scaloni concerns about Argentina players<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/a><\/p>\n No official recovery timeline has been issued by the club, but according to Spanish outlet Marca<\/em>, the pubalgia could sideline Nico Williams for at least four weeks<\/strong>. With the Finalissima against Argentina<\/strong><\/a> scheduled for Friday, March 27<\/strong>, questions are beginning to arise about whether the winger will be fit enough to handle such a demanding match without risking a setback in his recovery.<\/p>\n Atletico Madrid midfielder Alex Baena<\/strong> could help cover Williams\u2019 absence, but losing him would still be a major blow, particularly given his chemistry with Yamal on the flank. Spain are also monitoring several other injury situations ahead of the Finalissima<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Players already ruled out with serious injuries include Mikel Merino<\/strong> and Samu Aghehowa<\/strong>. Meanwhile, those currently managing physical issues include goalkeeper Unai Sim\u00f3n<\/strong>; defenders Dani Carvajal<\/strong>, Aymeric Laporte<\/strong>, Robin Le Normand<\/strong>, and Marc Cucurella<\/strong>; plus midfielders Rodri Hern\u00e1ndez<\/strong>, Fabi\u00e1n Ruiz<\/strong>, and Dani Olmo<\/strong> \u2014 several of whom could still be available if they recover in time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nWilliams, a potential huge blow for Spain<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWilliams added to the list of potential key absences<\/h2>\n