Barcelona dealt huge injury blow! Femeni defender Mapi Leon faces extended spell on sidelines after meniscus rupture in training that will require surgery

Barcelona have confirmed that Femeni star Mapi Leon suffered the horrible injury in training and will now require surgery. As a result, she faces an extended spell on the sidelines, and is likely to be out for the remainder of the season.

Leon had helped Barcelona record seven clean sheets this season, while scoring one goal, so her absence is sure to be keenly felt. She has been central for the club in their recent years of success, as she has lifted four Primera Division trophies, while also winning the Champions League on two occasions.

Leon joined Barcelona in 2017 for a fee of €50,000, and subsequently became the first player in the history of Spanish women's football to move for a transfer fee. She has also won 54 caps for Spain, although she was one of many players to refuse a call-up to the 2023 Women's World Cup, which they won.

They will have to lick their wounds before a clash with Eibar on Sunday. They will then be in action in the Champions League against Rosengard next week.