Big worries in Spain: Bonmati in hospital
Spain won the dress rehearsal against Japan on Friday, but Aitana Bonmati was missing. The 27-year-old was hospitalized and is in danger of missing the European Championship opener.
Watched the European Championship dress rehearsal from a hospital in Spain: Aitana Bonmati. IMAGO/Pressinphoto
On Friday evening, Spain's European Championship dress rehearsal against Japan took place in Leganes. However, the world champions were missing Aitana Bonmati from their squad. The Ballon d'Or winner of the past two years was taken to hospital with viral meningitis, and the course of the disease remains to be seen, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) announced in a brief statement on its website.
Aitana Bonmati missed the 3-1 victory against Japan in Leganés, but posted a photo on Instagram from her hospital bed. It shows the FC Barcelona attacker watching the friendly on television.
"She couldn't train yesterday due to a slight fever, and she didn't feel better all day. She was tired, and this morning she was taken for tests. Initially, all the tests were fine, but the last one—and she authorized me to say this—confirmed that she has viral meningitis," coach Montse Tomé explained after the match against Japan.
"She is an extremely important player for us"The doctor said it's under control. However, Aitana Bonmati will have to remain in the hospital for the time being, so it remains to be seen whether Spain will be able to count on the FIFA World Player of the Year when they face Portugal in Bern on Thursday.
"She is an extremely important player for us and we will wait for her, no matter what happens, as long as necessary," Tomé emphasized Aitana Bonmati's outstanding role.
The team travels to Switzerland on Sunday. The Spanish women's other opponents in the European Championship preliminary round are Belgium and Italy.
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