Sofia Quijada
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati is expected to be out for five months after having surgery on a broken leg.
The 27-year-old fell awkwardly during a practice session with her national side on Sunday.
She had been at the national team’s training base in Madrid, preparing for Tuesday’s second leg of their Women’s Nations League final against Germany.
Bonmati posted on social media on Tuesday afternoon, saying the surgery “went well” and that she now has to “start a new challenge”, explaining life as a footballer had been draining for her before the injury.
“Now it’s time to regenerate physically and mentally,” she said.
“Elite football takes you to the limit in all aspects and there are factors that were currently preventing me from enjoying the profession and the day-to-day.
“Honestly I felt like it was a time to put the brakes on and actually thought about it but didn’t and life just stopped at a halt.
“With this lesson I face what comes convinced that it will be a learning experience.”
In a statement, Barcelona said the expected recovery time would be five months.
Such an absence would keep Bonmati out for almost all of the rest of the season, with Barcelona’s last league game scheduled for 31 May.
The Women’s Champions League final takes place on the previous weekend.
This year, Bonmati became the first player to win the women’s Ballon d’Or three times – with the award presented annually to the player voted the world’s best by a panel of journalists.
She was also named the Champions League’s player of the season by Uefa.
Aitana Bonmati’s injury is a significant blow for Barcelona. The midfielder, Barca’s captain, has played 15 games this season, starting 13 times, scoring six goals and providing three assists.
Her absence adds to a growing injury list that includes key midfielders Patri Guijarro, sidelined until at least January, and Kika Nazareth, who is out for three weeks. Winger Salma Paralluelo is another who is unavailable until January, while forward Ewa Pajor remains sidelined with a knee problem, with a return expected in December.
With Bonmati likely to be out until May, Barcelona are left with limited options in midfield and attack for the next few months.
Barca are top of Liga F, six points clear of second-placed Real Sociedad Femenino – but with several of their most influential players recovering from injury, coach Pere Romeu will have to adjust tactics and rely on less experienced options.
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