Williamson underwent surgery for an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear on his right knee in April this year.
Williamson sustained the injury while representing Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 season opener against Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad.
“To be at the World Cup is always special. It’s still just guesswork at the moment in terms of when the day is or how it’s tracking at the time,” Williamson was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.
“Yeah, obviously slim, and still, you know, a tough goal. However, something like that (World Cup) in the back of your mind is obviously motivating and you want to keep seeing those improvements,” he added.
The 33-year-old batsman will go to England with the New Zealand team. Between August and September, the Kiwis will play four T20Is and as many ODIs.
Williamson will continue his rehabilitation in England with his teammates.
“There’s been some nice little progressions and working through some of those little milestones and return to the running phase, which I am in at the moment. It is obviously a bit of a slow journey,” said Williamson.
The stylish right-hander, who has made 6,555 runs from 161 ODIs at 47.85, was also not ready to commit himself to a possible return during New Zealand’s series against Bangladesh in late September.
“It is a tricky one. It is a lot about the healing element as well. You can have the strength work, the movement, the confidence.
“But the actual healing is what has to happen and there are a lot of things to really assess before that time. So, that (Bangladesh) series, by all accounts, is too early,” he said.
Williamson also intended to resume the normal net sessions as soon as possible.
“You’re really trying to exaggerate some of the movements and get them better prepared for the higher intensity stuff. But you know, it is progressing nicely, and hopefully not too far away,” he added.
(With PTI inputs)
