Spanish forward Nico Williams says fighting racism is his number one goal following multiple incidents of abuse against black players in the country.

The Atletic Bilbao star, who was in born in Spain to Ghanaian parents, is one of several players to have suffered racist abuse in LaLiga, a recurring problem with Real Madrid’s Brazilian striker Vinicius Junior in particular repeatedly harassed by opposing fans since arriving in the country in 2018.

Clubs and players alike have been outspoken about the issue with Vinicius Jr saying last month that Spain should be stripped of its 2030 World Cup hosting duties unless significant progress is made in addressing racism.

Williams, who played a starring role when Spain won Euro 2024, told El Mundo: “My brother (fellow player Inaki Williams) and I, as black people, have an important task in this life, which is the fight against racism. It’s my number one goal.

“As a public figure, in order to contribute to that fight, I cannot be sidetracked or become a freak and not have my feet on the ground.”

” You have to support your team without needing to insult anyone. I don’t understand that behaviour and they make football worse.

Last month a Mallorca fan was handed a 12-month suspended sentence by a Spanish court for racially insulting Vinícius and Villareal’s Samuel Chukwuese.

“I think that Spain is moving forward on the right path and we must continue like this,” Williams said. “There are always people who try to sell another image of immigrants, but they are a minority. I am very happy to see that progress is being made in this battle against racism. I am going to try to do everything in my power so that these people [immigrants] can have a better life.”

Ahead of this weekend’s top clash at the Stadio Olimpico, Roma and Inter could each regain a pivotal player, as Paulo Dybala and Nicolò Barella are both nearing their return to action.

Both sides had a bumpy start to the season, so it will be interesting to see who will prevail on Sunday.

As is often the case, Dybala has been dealing with a muscular problem that saw him remain on the bench during the 2-1 victory over Venezia before skipping the trip to Monza just before the international break.

But according to Sky Sport Italia via La Voce Giallorossa, the 30-year-old will rejoin his teammates in group training starting Tuesday morning. Therefore, the Argentine should be available for selection by Sunday, which will be a major boost for the already-under-fire Ivan Juric.

Coincidentally, Sky Sport (via FcInterNews) also reports Barella’s return to full training on Tuesday. The Italian skipped Inter’s last two Serie A victories over Udinese and Torino, but he should be ready and raring to go for Sunday’s showdown in Rome.

The source believes the 27-year-old will be pushing for a starting spot, even if Simone Inzaghi is spoiled for choices in the middle of the park.

While the impact of the two stars’ expected returns could cancel one another since each side will recover the services of a main protagonist, the true winner in the whole equation would be the neutral fan, as we’re talking about two of the most technically gifted players in Serie A. Their presence would certainly add a different flavor to what should be a captivating encounter in the Eternal City.

Liverpool could be facing an Arsenal side later this month suffering with several injury concerns. The Reds are due to meet the Gunners in the Premier League clash at Anfield on October 27 in what will be their third match after the international break.

Arne Slot has not been forced to deal with many injuries within his squad so far this season. Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa were sidelined before the international break, with Alisson Becker added to the treatment room for the next few weeks.

Before facing Arsenal, Liverpool will take on Chelsea in the Premier League this weekend in the first fixture after the international break. After that, the Reds will travel to Germany to face RB Leipzig in their third Champions League match of the campaign.

With Slot dealing with some injury concerns for Liverpool, Mikel Arteta is being forced to manage several players on the sidelines for Arsenal. The ECHO takes a look at Arsenal’s current injury list ahead of the Premier League clash against the Reds on October 27.

Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka suffered a potential muscle injury during England’s defeat to Greece in the Nations League last Thursday.

The Arsenal star withdrew from the Three Lions squad due to the fitness concerns and is a doubt for the Gunners’ clash against Bournemouth this weekend, but there is hope that he could recover in time to face the Cherries before Liverpool.

Gabriel Martinelli
Gabriel Martinelli emerged as an injury concern for Arsenal while with the Brazil squad.

Brazil confirmed that Martinelli would have an MRI scan on a possible calf injury, and it remains to be seen how long the forward will be on the sidelines, if at all.

Martin Odegaard
Martin Odegaard has been sidelined with an ankle injury since the September international break.

The Arsenal captain is not expected to return until December, meaning he will not be involved in the clash against Liverpool later this month.

Jurrien Timber

Jurrien Timber missed Arsenal’s win over Southampton before the international break with a knock.

Arsenal will hope to have the defender back in the matchday squad to face Bournemouth this weekend, barring any setbacks in Timber’s recovery.

Ben White

Ben White has missed each of Arsenal’s last four matches with a knee injury.

Arteta is expected to provide an update on the defender’s fitness when he speaks to reporters this week, and whether or not White is fit to return against Bournemouth before facing Liverpool a week later.

Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko has missed Arsenal’s nine matches with a calf injury.

The Ukraine international could return after the international break, meaning he may be involved against Liverpool the following week.

Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney is yet to feature for Arsenal this season with a hamstring injury.

It remains to be seen when the left-back will be fit enough to return to the matchday squad.

Source: Liverpool Echoes