Midfielder Aitana Bonmati, the reigning Ballon d’Or winner for the past two years, has been admitted to hospital due to viral meningitis, just days before Spain kicks off their Women’s Euro 2025 campaign, as confirmed by coach Montse Tome.
The 27-year-old was absent from Friday’s 3-1 friendly victory against Japan, as Spain gears up for their opening Group B match against Portugal on July 3.
Bonmati posted a photo on Instagram, showing her watching the match from her hospital bed.
“The doctors have indicated that it is under control. Discussing meningitis can evoke fear, but the situation is managed,” Tome explained to reporters after the match in Leganes.
“Aitana will remain in hospital, and we don’t have any timelines as of yet on how long she will be unavailable.”
The Barcelona star, who also clinched the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year honours for 2023 and 2024, has netted 30 goals in 78 appearances for Spain, playing a crucial role in their triumph at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and last year’s Women’s Nations League.
“Aitana is incredibly vital to us. We’ll support her as long as necessary,” Tome remarked.
Spain, which also includes Belgium and Italy in their group, has yet to reach the final of the continental championship, having only managed to make it to the semi-finals once, back in 1997.
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