Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas will not play for Spain in the Women's European Championship after tearing a knee ligament in training on the eve of the tournament, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Tuesday.
"The tests carried out on the Spanish international ... have confirmed that the captain of the Spanish Women's National Team suffered a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee," the RFEF said in a statement.
Euro 2022: News and features | Fixtures | Standings | Live on ESPN
- FC Women's Rank: Putellas voted best player
Putellas, who is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines, was at the heart of the Barcelona women's team which won the Spanish league and finished runners-up in the Champions League.
Named FIFA Best Women's Player earlier this year, she was the top scorer in the Champions League with 11 goals while also finishing with 18 strikes in the Primera Division.
"Alexia Putellas suffered a sprain in her left knee during the training session of the Spanish women's national team," RFEF said in a statement, before medical tests determined the extent of the injury.
Spain, one of the favourites to win the Euros, begin their group-stage campaign against Finland in Milton Keynes, England, on Friday.
Spanish media reported that Real Sociedad forward Amaiur Sarriegi will replace Putellas in Spain's squad for the Euros.