Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmatí will face an extended absence after sustaining a leg injury ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Nations League final second leg against Germany in Madrid.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced on Sunday that the three-time Ballon d’Or winner has “fractured her fibula” during training this weekend.
The 27-year-old will return to her club, Barcelona, for further examinations to assess the recovery timeline.
According to a source speaking to ESPN, if surgery is not needed, she could be back in approximately two months. However, if an operation is required, her recovery could take longer.
This news comes just two days prior to Spain’s match against Germany at Atlético Madrid’s Metropolitano Stadium, as La Roja aim to defend their Nations League title.
The first leg in Germany on Friday ended in a goalless stalemate.
Spain is already missing fellow Barça midfielder Patri Guijarro due to injury, putting added pressure on coach Sonia Bermúdez to find alternatives in the midfield.
Bonmatí’s injury will also impact Barça, especially with Guijarro sidelined. Youngsters Vicky López, Sydney Schertenleib, and Clara Serrajordi are expected to receive more playing time during this period.
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This season, Bonmatí has made 15 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions, contributing six goals and four assists.
Barcelona has five more matches scheduled before the end of the year, including two in the Champions League, and they currently hold strong positions both in Europe and domestically.
They are leading Liga F by six points after 12 games and also sit atop the Champions League standings on goal difference ahead of OL Lyon.