Ghanaian international Inaki Williams was forced off after just 38 minutes in Athletic Club’s 3-1 Champions League win over Qarabag FK at San Mames Stadium, raising fresh injury concerns for the forward.
Williams had recently returned from a layoff that saw him miss the October international break, including Ghana’s World Cup qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros, where the Black Stars secured their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 31-year-old’s early exit came as Athletic struggled to contain Qarabag, who took the lead inside the opening minute following a defensive miscommunication. Despite this setback, Athletic dominated the first half, with Gorka Guruzeta equalising before the interval.
Williams’ departure forced Ernesto Valverde to adjust his attack, relying on substitutes Nico Williams and Robert Navarro, the latter of whom curled a stunning strike into the top corner in the second half. Guruzeta then completed the scoring with a brilliant volley from outside the box.
While Athletic celebrated their first points of the 2025/26 Champions League season, the focus will now be on Williams’ fitness ahead of the winter period, as Ghana’s star forward looks to regain full match rhythm for club and country.
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