Spain’s midfield maestro Alexia Putellas faces another spell on the sidelines, dealing a blow to the national team’s aspirations in the ongoing Women’s Nations League. The Barcelona star has been ruled out of Spain’s critical fixtures due to a left knee injury, continuing her unfortunate about with fitness concerns.
The setback emerged during Barcelona’s emphatic 5-0 triumph over Benfica in the Champions League a fortnight ago, forcing the two-time Ballon d’Or winner to withdraw from national team duties. The Spanish football federation confirmed Putellas’ absence for the upcoming decisive encounters against Italy and Sweden.
This isn’t the first time Putellas has confronted knee issues. A previous anterior cruciate ligament injury in the same knee sidelined her during the 2022 Euros. However, she displayed remarkable resilience, overcoming the setback to contribute significantly to Spain’s triumphant World Cup campaign earlier this year.
With over 100 international caps to her name, Putellas’s absence poses a significant challenge for Spain, which currently enjoys a commanding five-point lead atop their Nations League group. Her skill, experience, and pivotal midfield role will undoubtedly be missed as Spain seeks to navigate crucial fixtures against Italy and Sweden without their influential playmaker.
As the 29-year-old undergoes rehabilitation with Barcelona, the Spanish squad must regroup and adapt swiftly to compensate for her absence in their bid to secure their position at the summit of the Nations League standings.
Originally posted 2023-11-27 21:40:13.
