Alexia Putellas: Spain midfielder and women’s Ballon d’Or winner suffers knee injury ahead of European Championship | Football News

Spain midfielder and women’s Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has injured her knee ahead of the women’s European Championship, the Spanish football federation (RFEF) said on Tuesday.

Putellas, who was also named the FIFA Best Women’s Player earlier this year, was at the heart of the Barcelona women’s team which won the Spanish league and finished runners-up in the Champions League.

She was the top scorer in the Champions League with 11 goals while she also finished with 18 strikes in the league.

“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.

“Medical tests will determine the extent of the injury.”

Spain, one of the favourites to lift the Euros, begin their group stage campaign against Finland in Milton Keynes on Friday.

Follow Euro 2022 across Sky Sports

Keep up with all the latest from Euro 2022 across Sky Sports and Sky Sports News this summer.

Coverage will be anchored by Sky Sports WSL presenter Caroline Barker, alongside Jessica Creighton and Kyle Walker. Meanwhile, Karen Carney, Sue Smith, Courtney Sweetman-Kirk and Laura Bassett will give analysis throughout the tournament.

They will also be joined by experienced England goalkeeper Karen Bardsley and Manchester City defender Esme Morgan.

The pundits and presenters will work from the Sky Sports Women’s Euro 2022 Mobile Presentation Bus, which will follow the Sky Sports News team around the country to the various stadiums where matches are being played.

In addition, Sky Sports’ Essential Football Podcast will be rebranded for the tournament to Sky Sports Women’s Euros Podcast rom 21 June. Hosted by Charlotte Marsh and Anton Toloui, it will feature exclusive news and player interviews in addition to a strong programme line-up around the tournament.