'How they take care of me' - Barcelona star Mapi Leon shares post-surgery update - including photo of Ingrid Engen asleep next to her on hospital bed

Leon suffered a tear in the external meniscus of her right knee in training earlier this month and had to undergo surgery. On Thursday the 28-year-old shared an update on her recovery, including a photo of Engen keeping her company while she was in hospital.

Leon uploaded a carousel of images to Instagram. They included photos of her bandaged leg, her parents and of Engen sleeping next to her on her hospital bed. The caption reads: "Once upon a time [hospital emoji]. Counting the days but calm and quiet. And how they take care of me."

Leon has been a key figure in Barcelona's success in recent years, but it is unlikely she will return to action before the end of the season. Despite her injury, the defender committed her long-term future to the club this week by signing a new contract valid until 2026.

Leon and Engen became Barcelona team-mates in 2021 when the Norwegian joined the club. They are thought to have been in a relationship since 2022.

Without Leon anchoring their defence, Barcelona will look to end the Jonatan Giraldez era by defending their Liga F and Champions League crowns.