Ghana striker Inaki Williams suffered yet another injury setback on Wednesday night as Athletic Club battled to a 3-1 victory over Qarabag FK in their UEFA Champions League encounter at San Mames.
The forward’s evening ended prematurely when he pulled up in the 38th minute, prompting immediate concern from both the Basque side and Ghana’s national team officials. Williams had only just returned to action after missing the October international window, a period during which the Black Stars sealed qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with wins over the Central African Republic and Comoros.
38′ First sub for Athletic.
🔄 Berenguer replaces Iñaki Williams, who’s picked up a knock.
0-1 I #AthleticQarabag #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/ssvH7J3DYq
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) October 22, 2025
Athletic endured a nightmare start to the contest, conceding within the opening minute following a defensive lapse that handed Qarabag an early advantage. However, the hosts soon settled into their rhythm, pressing relentlessly and finding the equaliser before halftime through an instinctive finish from Gorka Guruzeta.
Williams’ substitution forced head coach Ernesto Valverde to reshuffle his attacking setup, introducing Nico Williams and Robert Navarro. The changes paid off handsomely, Navarro delivered a moment of brilliance midway through the second half, curling a spectacular effort into the top corner to put Athletic in front.
Guruzeta later sealed the win with a sublime volley from distance, completing his brace and ensuring the Basques celebrated their first Champions League points of the campaign.
Despite the victory, attention quickly turned to Inaki Williams’ condition. The 31-year-old has struggled for fitness in recent weeks, and his latest setback casts doubt over his readiness for the demanding winter schedule. Both Athletic Club and the Ghanaian national team will be anxiously awaiting updates, hoping their talisman can make a swift and full recovery.
🥳 𝗟𝗘𝗧’𝗦 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢𝗢!!!!!!!!
Athletic come from a goal down against a tough @FKQarabaghEN side to pick up three huge points at San Mames.
👏 A first win in this season’s @ChampionsLeague!#AthleticQarabag #UniqueInTheWorld 🦁 pic.twitter.com/zDZ9LPbjk2
— Athletic Club (@Athletic_en) October 22, 2025
