Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí has been forced into early retirement for Spain's Nations League final second leg against Germany after suffering a nasty fall in training that left her with a broken fibula. The three-time Ballon d'Or winner was struggling to get back up from an awkward landing during a session on Sunday, prompting concern among medical staff.
Tests conducted by the Spanish Football Federation have confirmed that Bonmatí has fractured her left fibula, putting her tournament ambitions in jeopardy. With the minimum recovery time estimated at two months, the likelihood of surgery could push the setback even further – potentially keeping her out for three months or more.
The news is a significant blow to Spain, who host Germany at home on Tuesday after a goalless draw in their first game. The Nations League champions will be missing Bonmatí's creative input in the middle of the park, where she has established herself as one of Europe's top midfielders.
As the recovery period begins in Barcelona, Bonmatí is set to miss out on what could have been a crucial match for her country's title bid. Her absence leaves Spain with significant questions about how they will cope without their star player in the coming weeks.
Tests conducted by the Spanish Football Federation have confirmed that Bonmatí has fractured her left fibula, putting her tournament ambitions in jeopardy. With the minimum recovery time estimated at two months, the likelihood of surgery could push the setback even further – potentially keeping her out for three months or more.
The news is a significant blow to Spain, who host Germany at home on Tuesday after a goalless draw in their first game. The Nations League champions will be missing Bonmatí's creative input in the middle of the park, where she has established herself as one of Europe's top midfielders.
As the recovery period begins in Barcelona, Bonmatí is set to miss out on what could have been a crucial match for her country's title bid. Her absence leaves Spain with significant questions about how they will cope without their star player in the coming weeks.