Inaki Williams is likely to miss Ghana’s last two games in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers after sustaining a hamstring injury while playing for Spanish club Athletic Club, Afrosport reports.
The Black Stars have crucial clashes against Angola and Niger, and the 30-year-old, who was named in coach Otto Addo’s 25-man squad is now doubtful for the two matches as he races against time to recover fitness.
La Liga side Athletic Club released a statement confirming Williams’ injury status, as the forward missed their 1-1 draw against Real Valladolid on Sunday.
“Athletic Club forward Iñaki Williams will miss Sunday’s LaLiga clash with Real Valladolid after straining his left hamstring muscles,” the club said.
Williams is expected to undergo a scan on Monday to determine the extent of his injury – the same day Ghana opens camp for the AFCON qualifiers.
The Ghana Football Association (GFA), however, has yet to release an official statement on his status – whether he’ll be available or replaced.
Williams has been in good form this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists for Bilbao in all competitions.
Meanwhile, the Black Stars currently sit third in Group F of the AFCON qualifiers, five points behind second-place Sudan, and 10 behind leaders Angola, after failing to win any of their first four matches.
Ghana must win their next two games and hope that Sudan suffers defeats in both of their remaining games to have any shot at qualifying for next year’s AFCON finals in Morocco.
Addo’s men face Angola on November 15 in Luanda before hosting Niger at the Accra Sports Stadium three days later.
