Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí will be out of action for five months after undergoing surgery for a fractured fibula, according to the Catalan club.
Bonmatí, 27, suffered the fracture during a training session with the Spanish national team on the weekend and immediately returned to Barcelona to begin her recovery.
“Bonmatí has been successfully operated on for a fibula fracture in her left leg,” Barça announced in a brief statement.
The intervention was performed by Dr. Antoni Dalmau at the Hospital de Barcelona, under the supervision of the club’s medical services. The estimated recovery time is about five months.
The three-time Ballon d’Or winner was injured on Sunday while Spain prepared for the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final against Germany.
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Initially, Bonmatí wanted to stay with the Spanish selection to support the team in their attempt to retain the trophy, but she was advised to return to Barcelona for treatment.
On Friday, he had played in the first leg in Germany, which ended in a goalless draw.
Bonmatí will miss most of the remainder of the club season, although there is a possibility that she will return for the final stretch.
The Champions League final, in case Barça makes it, is scheduled for May 22 in Oslo, while the last matchday of Liga F will not be played until a week later.
Bonmatí’s absence complicates Barça’s options in midfield, especially in the short term, as neither Patri Guijarro nor Kika Nazareth seem likely to play again this year due to injuries.
Meanwhile, Laia Aleixandri will continue playing from defense alongside Alexia Putellas, and the young Vicky López, Sydney Schertenleib, and Clara Serrajordi will compete for the last spot in midfield.
