Inaki’s Injury Threatens Ghana’s World Cup Hopes

Athletic Bilbao manager Ernesto Valverde has expressed uncertainty over whether Ghanaian forward Inaki Williams will be fit enough to join the Black Stars for their upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Williams picked up an injury during Bilbao’s 2-1 win over RCD Mallorca on Saturday, raising concern just days before the international break.

The Ghana striker had earlier ended his goal drought in the match, scoring from the penalty spot in the ninth minute to give Bilbao the lead.

His goal was a big relief for both him and the team after going nine games without scoring. However, his joy was short-lived when he limped off early in the second half, clutching his leg.

Speaking after the match, Valverde admitted that the club had not yet determined the extent of the injury, making it unclear whether Williams would be available for national duty.

“I don’t know, but I imagine [he won’t go]. I don’t know if they will have to do any tests or what the protocol is, but things are as they are,” the Bilbao coach told the media.

The Spanish manager noted that although the injury “doesn’t look serious,” further medical tests would be conducted in the coming days to confirm the severity of the problem.

The result of those tests will determine whether the forward can join Otto Addo’s 24-man squad for Ghana’s crucial qualifiers against the Central African Republic and Comoros.

Bilbao’s victory almost slipped away after Samu Costa equalised for Mallorca in the 77th minute, but substitute Alejandro Rego’s late strike secured a much-needed win for the Basque club. The victory lifted Athletic Bilbao to 13 points from eight games, keeping them close to La Liga’s top teams.

Williams’ potential absence would be a major blow for Ghana, who are counting on his experience and goal-scoring ability in their bid to reach the 2026 World Cup. The Black Stars lead Group I with 19 points and need either two wins or at least four points from their remaining matches to secure qualification.

Ghana will open camp in Casablanca on Sunday, October 5, ahead of their match against the Central African Republic on October 8 at the Stade d’Honneur de Meknes. The team will then return home to face Comoros at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 12.