Unexpected setback: Aitana Bonmatí ruled out of Nations League final after ankle surgery

Update on Aitana Bonmatí’s Injury

Barcelona star and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí is set to undergo surgery on Tuesday after suffering a fracture to her left ankle, the Catalan club announced on Monday.

Impact and Timeline

The 27-year-old suffered the injury during Spain’s training session on Sunday.

Barça said in a statement that tests conducted on Monday confirmed a fracture of the left ankle’s fibula.

Spanish outlets had suggested Bonmatí could be out for more than three months if surgery is required.

The Ballon d’Or winner, who has won the award in the last three seasons, will miss the second leg of the Women’s Nations League final on Tuesday against Germany, as well as several matches for her club in the coming weeks.

Bonmatí started in the starting XI against Germany in the first leg, which finished goalless on Friday.

She is also set to miss upcoming Champions League games against Benfica and Paris Saint-Germain in December, plus the Spanish Super Cup in January and several Liga games.

Punchline 1: If ankle injuries were a stand-up set, this one would be the cliffhanger that keeps the crowd waiting for the comeback—bring the popcorn.

Punchline 2: Don’t worry, the medical team promises a faster-than-light return; by the time she steps back on the pitch, the goalposts will have filed a union complaint for being too welcoming.