Aitana Bonmatí sidelined with left fibula fracture before Nations League final

Aitana Bonmatí has fractured her left fibula after a training incident in Madrid, ruling her out of Spain's upcoming Women's Nations League final. The Barcelona midfielder, 27, left the field in pain and will begin a rehabilitation program in Barcelona. Spain were preparing for the second leg of the final against Germany at the Estadio Metropolitano.

Bonmatí played 77 minutes of the first leg in Kaiserslautern last Friday as the teams finished goalless.

Health comes first

Coach Sonia Bermudez said Bonmatí wanted to stay with the squad, but the medical team advised she return home to start treatment. We told her she had to go back to begin recovery because the health of our players comes first, Bermudez said. We want to dedicate tomorrow's victory to her.

Reaction from captain and federation

Spain captain Irene Paredes, who also plays for Barcelona, acknowledged the setback. Absences like Aitana's can unsettle a team, and her loss is significant for both the national team and Barca. I did not see the incident, but she described the pain in her eyes, and we are sending her our best wishes for a full recovery.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirmed after tests that Bonmatí has a fracture in her left fibula. Barcelona said they will decide on treatment when she returns to the club.

Bonmatí's exceptional year

Despite the injury, Bonmatí finished a remarkable year. She became the first woman to win the Ballon d'Or three times, helped Barcelona win the domestic treble, and helped Spain reach the Euro 2025 final. UEFA also named her the Champions League Player of the Season.

Expert view

Analysts say the injury is a setback for both Spain and Barcelona, but note Bonmatí's resilience and expected strong recovery. Medical teams will prioritise her long-term health to ensure a safe return to play.

What this means forward

The squad must adapt without their captain, relying on depth to chase the trophy. The final result could hinge on how quickly Bonmatí can rejoin the team or how the side adjusts without her.

Short summary

Aitana Bonmatí suffered a left fibula fracture during a Spain training session, forcing her to miss the Nations League final against Germany. Spain aim to defend the title despite the setback, led by captain Irene Paredes and a focus on squad depth. Bonmatí's year remains outstanding, highlighted by multiple individual honours and major team successes.

Key insight: The injury tests Spain's depth and resilience as they pursue the Nations League title. Source: BBC Sport.