Two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas has been included in FC Barcelona’s squad for the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals against Chelsea after suffering a serious injury ten months ago. Putellas, who ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee in July 2022, has been training since March, but this is the first time she has been included in Catalan coach Jonathan Giráldez’s squad.
Although Barça won 1-0 at Stamford Bridge in the first leg, they will be without England defender Lucy Bronze for the second leg due to a right knee injury that has forced her to undergo arthroscopy. Bronze has stated on Instagram that she is in good spirits following her operation and is working to get back to full fitness as quickly as possible.
Despite Bronze’s importance, Giráldez has assured that she will be sidelined for several weeks and that her participation in the Women’s World Cup in July is not in jeopardy. The second leg of the Champions League semi-finals between FC Barcelona and Chelsea will be played this Thursday at the Johan Cruyff Stadium in Barcelona.