Barcelona Confirm Bonmatí Will Undergo Surgery
Barcelona have confirmed that Aitana Bonmatí will require surgery on a fractured fibula, ruling the three-time Ballon d’Or winner out for at least three months and creating a major dilemma for both club and country.
The midfielder sustained the injury during Spain training on Sunday, just days before the second leg of the UEFA Women’s Nations League final against Germany. It’s a crushing development for La Roja and Barça at a crucial point in the season.
A Devastating Setback for Spain and Barça
Bonmatí returned to Barcelona immediately after the injury for further assessment. On Monday, medical tests revealed the full extent of the problem: the damage was serious enough to require an operation.
“Tests carried out on Monday revealed that an operation will be required on a fracture of the fibula,” Barcelona said in an official statement, confirming that surgery would take place on Tuesday at Barcelona Hospital under the supervision of the club’s medical team.
Sources told ESPN the club expects a minimum three-month layoff, though privately there are fears the timeline could stretch longer.
Spain held Germany to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the Nations League final last Friday but now faces the return match without their midfield orchestrator, a player many regard as the heartbeat of the national team.
A Growing Injury Crisis at Barcelona
Bonmatí’s injury also deepens a worrying trend for Barcelona. Patri Guijarro remains sidelined until the New Year, and rising Portugal star Kika Nazareth has been ruled out for three weeks with a ligament sprain suffered on international duty.
“Nazareth has a sprained ligament in her left ankle,” the club confirmed. The midfielder has made an impressive impact this season with five goals and six assists in 13 appearances, highlighting the scale of Barcelona’s personnel loss.
So what now? The midfield depth chart will be stretched to its limit. Youngsters Vicky López, Sydney Schertenleib and Clara Serrajordi are expected to see expanded roles, and it will be a test of Barcelona’s famous academy pipeline.
How Much Does This Change the Season?
The timing could hardly be worse. Barcelona still has five fixtures before the end of the year, including two in the Champions League. Even so, they remain in control of their season, six points clear in Liga F after 12 matches and joint-top in Europe alongside Lyon.
But Bonmatí’s influence is irreplaceable. Her absence leaves tactical and emotional questions for both sides: Spain loses their central conductor in their pursuit of another Nations League title, while Barcelona must navigate a crucial period without the player who so often dictates tempo and creativity.
How quickly can Spain and Barça adapt? Can the next generation step up in what may be their biggest audition yet? These are questions that will shape the months ahead.
Looking Forward
Barcelona says they will provide an update after Tuesday’s surgery. Until then, club and country must brace for life without one of the world’s most complete midfielders and face a stretch of the season that could define their campaigns.