Two-time Ballon d'Or winner Aitana Bonmati joins back up with Spain squad ahead of Euro 2025 after recovering from viral meningitis

The 27-year-old was forced to miss Spain's 3-1 win over Japan last week due to receiving treatment for the issue in a Madrid hospital. The Barcelona star was discharged from hospital on Sunday, and now BBC Sport states she has joined the national side but is unlikely to play in the Euro 2025 opener against Portugal on Thursday.

Bonmati is a vital player for both club and country, evidenced by her two Ballon d'Or wins, and if Spain want to win this year's Euros in Switzerland, they will need the midfielder fit and firing. World Cup winners Spain are favourites to win the competition but an absent Bonmati is a big blow.

According to the NHS, viral meningitis tends to get better on its own within seven to 10 days and can often be treated at home. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord and is caused by a viral infection.

Although Bonmati is set to miss their match against Portugal in Bern this week, the Spaniard will hope to feature in their other group stage games against Belgium and Italy on July 7 and 11 respectively.