SPAIN SWEAT on Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putelas’ fitness ahead of Euro 2022.
The tournament begins tomorrow evening in England, when the hosts meet Austria at Old Trafford [KO 8pm, live on RTÉ and BBC].
Spain, one of the favorites for the tournament, opened their bid against Finland in Milton Keynes on Friday, although they could be dealt a significant blow in the coming days.
The inclusion of Zvezdaš Putelas is in question after the Barcelona maestro suffered an injury in today’s training session.
Announcement from Spain this afternoon reads: “Alexia Putellas sprained her left knee during the session on Tuesday, July 5.
“Medical tests will determine the extent of the injury.”
🔴 𝗢𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 And Alexia Putellas sprained her left knee during the session on Tuesday, July 5th.
➡️ Medical tests will determine the degree of injury. pic.twitter.com/243LLVc39c
— Spain Women’s Soccer Team (@SEFutbolFem) July 5, 2022
Putellas is the heart of this Spanish team, composed mainly of Barça and Real Madrid players. She pulls the strings and makes them tick, so her absence would be disastrous for their Euro hopes.
Spain — who will face record eight-time champions Germany and 2017 runners-up Denmark in Group B after the Finns — are also without injured star Jennifer Hermoso.
Hermoso, who recently signed for Mexican club Pachuca from Barca, was ruled out of the tournament last week with a knee injury he picked up shortly after joining the group.
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– Additional reporting – © AFP 2022