Alexia Putellas Sidelined for Three Weeks: What It Means for Barça and Spain
Barcelona fans, brace yourselves. The Catalan club has confirmed that midfield maestro Alexia Putellas will be out of action for around three weeks due to a calf injury. This news comes as a significant blow, not just for Barça but also for the Spanish national team, as the 30-year-old has withdrawn from Spain’s squad for their upcoming friendlies against South Korea and France.
Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or winner, has been a cornerstone for both club and country. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt, especially as she was just beginning to hit her stride after a grueling recovery from an ACL injury that kept her sidelined for most of the 2022-23 season. Let’s break down what this means for Barça, Spain, and the football world at large.
What Games Will She Miss?
Unfortunately for Barcelona, Putellas will miss some crucial fixtures in the coming weeks. She is set to sit out matches against Real Betis, Hammarby, and Valencia. However, there’s a glimmer of hope that she could return in time for a potentially decisive Champions League clash against Manchester City on December 18.
That game is shaping up to be a must-win for Barça. The Catalans were defeated by Manchester City in their previous meeting in October, and a victory at the Olympic Stadium could be crucial for Barcelona to progress to the quarterfinals as group winners. Without Putellas, the task becomes significantly more challenging.
Spain’s Loss, Too
Spain, the reigning world champions, will also feel the sting of Putellas’ absence. The midfielder has withdrawn from the squad for their friendlies against South Korea and France. While these are not competitive matches, they are vital opportunities for the team to fine-tune their strategies and maintain their momentum. Losing a player of Putellas’ caliber, even temporarily, is a setback for any squad.
Rediscovering Her Form
What makes this injury particularly frustrating is its timing. Putellas had been showing signs of returning to her best form after spending much of last season regaining full fitness. Under new coach Pere Romeu, she has been nothing short of spectacular this season, scoring 10 goals and providing five assists from midfield. Her recent strike against St. Pölten in the Champions League was her 200th goal for Barcelona, making her only the third player in the club’s history to reach this milestone.
To put that into perspective, joining an elite list of players with 200 goals for a club like Barcelona is no small feat. It’s a testament to her skill, consistency, and importance to the team. Losing her now, just as she was hitting her stride, is a bitter pill to swallow for fans and teammates alike.
What’s Next for Barça?
With Putellas sidelined, the spotlight will shift to other key players in Barcelona’s squad. The team will need to rally together to fill the void left by their talismanic midfielder. Here are a few things to watch for in the coming weeks:
- Midfield Adjustments: Who will step up to orchestrate the midfield in Putellas’ absence? Will Pere Romeu tweak his tactics to compensate?
- Champions League Pressure: The December 18 clash against Manchester City looms large. Can Barça rise to the occasion without their star player?
- Squad Depth: This is a chance for other players to prove their worth and show that Barcelona’s success isn’t solely dependent on Putellas.
Final Thoughts
Injuries are an unfortunate part of sports, but they always seem to sting a little more when they happen to a player like Alexia Putellas. Her absence will undoubtedly be felt, but it also presents an opportunity for others to step up and shine. For now, fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery and counting down the days until she’s back on the pitch.
As for Putellas, if her past resilience is anything to go by, she’ll come back stronger than ever. After all, this is a player who has already overcome significant challenges to reach the pinnacle of the sport. Here’s wishing her a swift and full recovery!
Originally Written by: Sam Marsden
