Aitana Bonmatí Sidelined for Months with Leg Fracture, Major Blow to Spain and Barcelona
Spain and Barcelona face a significant blow with the news that their star midfielder, Aitana Bonmatí, will be out of action for several months due to a leg fracture. The injury occurred during a training session with the Spanish national team, casting a shadow over both her club and country's immediate campaigns.
The three-time Ballon d'Or winner sustained a fracture in her left fibula following an accidental fall and bad landing during Sunday's training. The Spanish football federation confirmed the diagnosis, stating that Bonmatí would return to Barcelona to commence her recovery. Initial reports from Catalan media suggest a minimum recovery period of two months, which could extend further if surgery becomes necessary.
Impact on Key Matches
This untimely injury means Bonmatí will be conspicuously absent from crucial upcoming fixtures. Most notably, she will miss Tuesday’s decisive second leg of the Women’s Nations League final against Germany, a match where Spain aims to secure silverware.
For her club, FC Barcelona, the absence of their influential playmaker is equally critical. Bonmatí is expected to miss Champions League group stage matches in December against Benfica and Paris FC. Furthermore, her participation in the Spanish Super Cup in January and numerous Liga F encounters is now in serious doubt. Barcelona currently leads the domestic league by a comfortable six points over Real Sociedad and is joint top of their Champions League group alongside French powerhouse Lyon. Her leadership and skill will be sorely missed as they navigate these vital competitions.
A Stellar Year Interrupted
The injury arrives just as Bonmatí, 27, was riding the crest of an extraordinary wave of success. This year, she made history by becoming the first female player to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or three times. She was instrumental in Barcelona's domestic treble triumph and played a pivotal role in Spain reaching the Euro 2025 final, where they ultimately lost to England on penalties. Her individual accolades and team successes underscore the magnitude of her absence.
Team Reaction and Support
The news has understandably affected the Spanish squad. Coach Sonia Bermudez expressed the collective dismay on Monday, acknowledging it as a "huge loss" for the team preparing for the Nations League final. "Yesterday the mood was a bit down because it’s hard when a teammate is injured. We hope she recovers as soon as possible," Bermudez stated, emphasizing the team's commitment to dedicating a potential victory to their injured colleague. "Aitana wanted to be in the final with us, but we have to prioritize the players’ health."
Spain captain Irene Paredes echoed these sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll Bonmatí's absence takes. "Absences like Aitana’s throw you off because nobody likes to see a teammate getting injured and suffering," Paredes commented, while also asserting the squad's depth and resilience. "But we’re going to move forward, we have other players and everyone is capable of contributing." The team remains focused on their objectives, albeit with the added motivation to perform for their sidelined star.
