Spanish star Alexia Putellas pulls out of training, raising concerns about availability for Women’s World Cup

Spanish star Alexia Putellas stopped training on Monday, raising doubts that she will be fit to play against Costa Rica in their opener at the Women’s World Cup on Friday.

The two-time Ballon d’Or winner has played just six games as a substitute for Barcelona since April, when she returned after a 10-month layoff with a torn ACL in her left knee.

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Putellas started two of Spain’s World Cup warm-up matches, against Panama and Denmark, but missed the match against Vietnam in New Zealand last week.

She left Spain’s training run at Massey University near Palmerston North after just 30 minutes on Monday, during which she took part in passing drills and looked comfortable. A spokesman for the Spanish team said that her early departure was planned.

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Alexia Putellas of Spain controls the ball during the women’s international friendly match between Denmark and Spain on July 5, 2023 in Soborg, Denmark. (Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Midfielder Irene Guerrero spoke to the media at the end of training and said she hoped Putellas would be fit to play at Wellington’s Sky Stadium on Friday.

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Alexia Putellas of Spain duels for the ball with Carmen Montenegro of Panama during the international friendly match between Women of Spain and Women of Panama at Roman Suarez Puerta Stadium on June 29, 2023 in Avilés, Spain. (Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

«The most important thing is that it feels good,» Guerrero said. “We are happy to have her because she is a key piece on and off the field.

«She’s training very hard to go into the match with the best feelings. She’s a key player, just like the other 22 players. We’re all important. The whole team is important.»