BILBAO, SPAIN – AUGUST 15: Inaki Williams and Nico Williams of Athletic Club look on at the end of the La Liga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and Getafe CF at Estadio de San Mames on August 15, 2024 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images)Ghanaian striker Inaki Williams stepped up as captain on Monday, facing the press before Athletic Clubs Champions League opener at San Mames.The focus was not only on the challenge of Arsenal but also on the absence of his younger brother, Nico Williams, who is sidelined with a groin injury.Nicos setback came during Spains clash with Turkey, where he was forced off after 43 minutes. The winger is expected to miss around three weeks, leaving coach Ernesto Valverde without one of his most dynamic players for a crucial run of fixtures.For Inaki, the situation is more than tactical. It is about missing a brother and teammate who brings spark and balance to the side.It’s a shame that he can’t be there tomorrow because we know how important he is to everyone. Nico is a very unbalanced player and creates chances out of nowhere. We miss him, but everyone here contributes, and those who play and come off the pitch can do well so it doesn’t show, he said.Nicos return is forecast for the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund, after missing Alaves, Arsenal, Valencia, Girona, and Villarreal.
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