Bonmati's absence overshadows Spain’s 3-1 win over Japan
Spain beat Japan in their final friendly before Euro 2025 but Aitana Bonmati's hospitalisation raises concerns over tournament inclusion
Spain secured an important 3-1 win over Japan in their final game before Euro 2025 but the result was overshadowed by the absence of star midfielder Aitana Bonmati.
Bonmati wasn’t named in the world champions’ squad in Leganes on Friday night and the Spanish Football Federation confirmed that the Ballon D’or winner had been hospitalised with viral meningitis.
The Barcelona player posted an image on Instagram watching the game from a hospital bed.
Spain’s head coach Montse Tome said after the game: "Talking about meningitis can be scary but it is controlled. She is a very important player for us. We'll wait for her as long as we can."
There are now doubts over whether Bonmati will be ready to start in Spain’s opening Euro 2025 game against Portugal next Thursday.
She has been a key player for Spain during their recent rise to women’s football dominance and won the Golden Ball award during Spain’s run to the 2023 Women’s World Cup title.
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