Barcelona star Alexia Putellas pulls out of Spain squad ahead of Nations League fixtures against Italy and Sweden due to knee 'discomfort'

Due to a left knee injury, the two-time Ballon d'Or winner was forced to miss practice on Monday. Two weeks ago, during Barca's 5-0 Champions League victory against Benfica, Putellas suffered an injury. Hereafter, she will "continue her recovery process" with her club, according to the Spanish Football Federation.

The statement released by the Spanish federation read: "Alexia Putellas will leave this afternoon the camp of the Spanish National Team after tests carried out by the medical services of the team. After studying her injury, the FC Barcelona player will return home to continue her recovery.

"Montse Tome summoned a total of 25 players, so Alexia's discard does not involve quoting another footballer to cover her discharge in the current camp."

Putellas' anterior cruciate ligament injury prevented her from competing in the 2022 European Championship, but she recovered in time to help Spain win the World Cup earlier this year. Having won almost 100 caps with her nation, Putellas will miss Spain's next two Nations League games against Sweden on Tuesday and Italy on Friday; Spain leads their group by five points.

The Barcelona captain will now return to her club as she looks to recover in time for the Catalans' clash against Eibar on December 9.