Bonmatí rejoins Spain after illness
Aitana Bonmatí has rejoined Spain's national team for the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 after recovering from a bout of viral meningitis. The talented midfielder, who plays for Barcelona, was discharged from the hospital and arrived at the team's hotel in Lausanne, Switzerland, on June 30. On July 1, she began her return to training, initially working out alone in the gym before transitioning to the pitch for individual drills, as confirmed by the Spanish football federation.
While Bonmatí's return to the squad is a positive development, it remains unclear when she will be fully fit to play. She missed Spain's recent friendly match against Japan, which ended in a 3-1 victory for the team, as they prepared for their Group B opener against Portugal. Prior to her discharge, Bonmatí shared a hopeful update from her hospital bed on social media, giving a thumbs-up and stating, "Fortunately, everything is going well. I hope to return soon."
Spain's head coach, Montse Tomé, has expressed optimism regarding Bonmatí's recovery, noting her eagerness to resume full training. However, Tomé emphasized that Bonmatí's health remains the top priority, and no definitive decision has been made about her participation in the opening match.
Bonmatí, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, has been a key player for Spain, scoring 30 goals in 78 appearances and playing a pivotal role in their victory at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Her return has significantly lifted the team's spirits, with teammate Patricia Guijarro highlighting the positive impact of her presence in the squad. Despite the uncertainty surrounding her status for the first game, Bonmatí is expected to play a crucial role in Spain's campaign as they aim for their first European Championship title.
As the team prepares for their upcoming match against Portugal, they are focused on leveraging Bonmatí's experience and skill. The anticipation surrounding her potential return to the pitch adds to the excitement as Spain embarks on their Euro 2025 journey.
