Barcelona has been dealt a significant setback as team captain Alexia Putellas has been sidelined for three weeks due to an ankle injury sustained during training, the club announced on Saturday.
The Spanish midfielder, who has been instrumental in Barcelona's successful campaign this season, suffered a left ankle sprain that will force her to miss crucial upcoming fixtures. According to the club's official statement, "First team women's player Alexia Putellas sprained her left ankle during training this Saturday. The approximate time of absence is 3 weeks."
The timing of Putellas' injury could not be more unfortunate for Pere Romeu's squad, as the 31-year-old has been displaying exceptional form in the 2024/25 season. With an impressive tally of 15 goals in 21 matches across all competitions, including nine in the league, Putellas has established herself as one of the competition's leading scorers, currently sharing the third position in the Liga F scoring charts with Real Madrid's Signe Bruun.
The injury will keep the influential captain out of several important matches, including Sunday's Liga F clash against Espanyol and the upcoming fixture against Madrid CFF on February 16. Additionally, Putellas will miss the crucial Women's Champions League encounter with Madrid CFF scheduled for midweek.
Barcelona currently holds a commanding position at the summit of Liga F, maintaining a two-point advantage over their closest rivals Real Madrid, with the added benefit of a game in hand. Despite Putellas' absence, the Catalan giants will look to extend their lead at the top when they face Espanyol in their upcoming away fixture this Sunday.
