Putellas to miss 10-12 months after ACL surgery

Alexia Putellas is expected to be out of action for up to a year after undergoing surgery on her anterior cruciate ligament injury, Barcelona have confirmed. Spain's Ballon d'Or-winning winger Putellas was ruled out of the Women's Euros after suffering the injury in training just three days before La Roja's Group B opener against Finland.

While Jorge Vilda's team went on to record a 4-1 win in that contest, the injury to Putellas remains a huge blow to their chances of winning the tournament, with the 28-year-old having scored 27 times in 100 international appearances and top-scored with 11 goals in the Women's Champions League last term.

"The FC Barcelona Medical Services are pleased to announce that Tuesday morning's operation on Alexia Putellas at Hospital de Barcelona was a success," began a statement on the club's website. "The women's team captain and world player of the year has torn cruciate ligaments in her left knee and will be out of action for between 10 and 12 months."

As well as damaging Spain's hopes of a first major tournament win, Putellas' injury also impacts Barcelona, who won all 30 of their domestic league games last season before losing the Champions League final 3-1 to Lyon in May, with the winger scoring their consolation goal.

 

July 12, 2022