(Football news) To say that Alexia Putellas’ absence at Euro 2022 would be a big loss is an understatement. The 28 year old is one of the best footballers in the world and it’s not just a loss for the Spanish team but the tournament itself. The midfielder suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury in training on Tuesday, effectively ruling her out of the tournament, much to the dismay of not just fans of Spain but of the sport itself. 

Spanish football journalist David Menayo described Putellas’ absence as  "a jug of cold water" thrown over his country while England and Everton midfielder Izzy Christiansen said “It is the worst possible news on the eve of the tournament. The Ballon d'Or winner, the most incredible player to watch, is not going to be performing. It's devastating for all of the fans coming over, not just in Spain, but all the nations. You want to enjoy and watch players of that calibre do their thing. It's a huge loss to the tournament and for the wider impact she has in Barcelona and in her own country. 

"A journalist spoke this week about how they had never heard one female player's name chanted so loudly and so prominently by fans other than Alexia Putellas'. That gives you an indication of how big of an impact she has had. The way in which the Barcelona team has played, has caught attention. When you watch them, she is one of the standout players. It's a massive blow. We are already missing some big-name players and it's those who you want to see in the tournament to showcase the women's game at its best." 

Spain was considered one of the favourites of the tournament while Alexia Putellas was in the team. The majority of players in the national team are from FC Barcelona who won the Champions League in 2021 and reached the final this year. Despite the evident quality in the team, Putellas’ absence undoubtedly hurts their chances at the Euro 2022. Christiansen said “It is a massive loss. It is absolutely huge and it is devastating she is not playing. She is so key to everything that Spain does. They have a clear identity in the way they play but so much of that is reliant on somebody taking the ball in the way Putellas does in difficult areas under pressure. She controls the overloading which helps break down teams. 

"I think it dampens Spain's chances of progressing throughout the tournament. It will have a huge impact on the team. This is the worst possible case for Spain but they have to find a way to move forward without her. Spain were a lot stronger with Putellas. I always felt they might have had an earlier exit in the tournament anyway but it certainly weakens them without Putellas. You become a family at major tournaments so it will have an impact on the squad – no matter who it is. It will be a tough one to take and I think Spain will struggle. At least they have a few days to mentally recover from it.”

According to Spanish journalist David Menayo, his country has gone from being a ‘favourite’ to being a ‘candidate’ for the Euro 2022 trophy. “Alexia is a decisive player, but also a key partner within the group. Spain has a good team and great players but obviously they have lost a lot. You can win a game of chess without the queen but it's very difficult. The players will have to rebuild themselves emotionally. If they manage to beat Finland and get a good result against Germany, the horizon can stop looking so black." 

Also read: England Women defeat Austria in the opening Euro 2022 match