Ballon d’Or winner The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) said Alexia Putellas will not play for Spain in the Women’s European Championship after tearing a knee ligament during training before the tournament, the Western football federation Spain (RFEF) said on Tuesday.
“Tests carried out on the Spain international … have confirmed that the captain of the Spain Women’s National Team has ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee,” RFEF said in a statement.
Euro 2022: News and features | Things | Charts | Live on ESPN
– FC Women’s Ranking: Putellas voted as the best player
Putellas, who is set for a long spell on the sidelines, is at the heart of the Barcelona women’s team that spanish league champion and finished runner-up in the Champions League.
Named FIFA Best Female Player Earlier this year, she was the Champions League top scorer with 11 goals while finishing with 18 in the Primera Division.
“Alexia Putellas sprained her left knee during a training session of the Spain women’s team,” the RFEF said in a statement, before medical tests determined the extent of the injury.
Spain, one of the Euro championship contenders, kicks off its group stage campaign against Finland in Milton Keynes, England, on Friday.
The Spanish press reported that Real Sociedad striker Amaiur Sarriegi will replace Putellas in Spain’s Euro squad.
