Nico Williams leaves Spain camp with thigh injury

The goal he scored on Tuesday in Seville had brought the smile back to his face. Four days later, Nico Williams is no longer with the rest of his teammates in Spain's training camp. The Athletic Club winger left to begin his recovery after feeling discomfort in his left thigh, in the very match in which he'd scored again for the national team.

It all started after the game against Croatia, which Spain won 4-1. According to the Royal Spanish Football Federation, the player reported discomfort in his left thigh right after the final whistle. During the team's day off, the medical staff kept a close eye on him, but things didn't improve: by Thursday, he was unable to train with the group.

The RFEF's statement laid it out this way:

The Athletic Club international reported discomfort in his left thigh after the match played in Seville against Croatia. During the rest day, his progress was closely monitored, and given the persistence of the discomfort, he did not take part in Thursday's training session.Royal Spanish Football Federation

After Thursday's medical tests, the decision was clear: Nico is being released from the squad to focus on his recovery. So once again, it's a matter of waiting and taking care of himself.

The fourth absence on this list

This international window keeps getting more complicated for Luis de la Fuente. Williams is now the fourth player from the squad that the coach has lost to injury. Before him, Pedro Porro withdrew without even joining the group and was replaced by Iván Fresneda; Eric García was replaced by Robin Le Normand; and Alejandro Grimaldo was replaced by Betis left back Fran García.

Nico's situation carries its own storyline within the bigger picture. The winger had been dealing with physical issues since the World Cup, and that goal against Croatia, the fourth in the rout and his sixth with the senior national team, meant something more than just three points to him. He put it this way:

It really helps me build confidence.Nico Williams

Now that confidence will have to wait a bit longer, while his body finishes healing.

Spain, meanwhile, has two matches left in this international window. After beating England (2-3) and Croatia by that commanding 4-1 scoreline, De la Fuente's side hosts the Czech Republic this Saturday and closes out the window next Tuesday, again against Croatia, this time on the road.