Alexia Putellas is back in time for the Women's World Cup as Spain looks for glory

Mon, Jul 3, 2023
Other News (AP)

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) - Alexia Putellas heads to the Women's World Cup after winning back-to-back Ballon d'Or awards and helping Barcelona win two of the last three Champions League titles.

Even so, her role on Spain's national team is in doubt. The 29-year-old midfielder with a knack for scoring has barely played for her club since recently returning from a leg injury that sidelined her for nearly 10 months.

Alexia was included on Spain's squad for the tournament beginning later this month in Australia and New Zealand. But it is not clear what part she will play on a team that has made huge strides in recent years. Alexia, who leads Spain with 100 appearances, has had a role in that boom by becoming only the second Spaniard, woman or man, to win the Ballon d'Or.

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She was set to take the 2022 European Championship by storm, only for the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee to rupture days before the tournament. She played her first game since that injury in late April when Barcelona clinched the Spanish league title.

In total, she has made six appearances since her injury, all as a substitute, including in the Champions League final. She lifted the trophy as Barcelona's captain after her teammates pulled off a 3-2 comeback victory over Wolfsburg.