Alexia Putellas Barcelona Wolfsburg Women's Champions League 2021-22Getty

WATCH: Alexia Putellas is BACK! Barcelona squad hugs Ballon d'Or winner on return to team training following ACL injury

  • Putellas suffered ACL injury on eve of Euros
  • Finally back in team training
  • And her team-mates are delighted

WHAT HAPPENED? Putellas was heartbreakingly ruled out of Spain's Euro 2022 campaign after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament just one day before the tournament began. Following a lengthy recovery period, the midfielder finally returned to group training at Barcelona on Monday, where she received a warm reception from the rest of the squad.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: Putellas' injury setback did not stop her picking up a host of individual honours, as she retained the Ballon d'Or, Best FIFA Women's Player and GOAL50 awards. Barca have not put a timeline on her return to first-team action, but they will be hoping she is back in time to help them compete for Champions League, Copa del Rey and Liga F honours before the season ends.

WHAT NEXT FOR PUTELLAS? She is currently among the Spain players 'on strike' from national team duty due to a dispute with coach Jorge Vilda. This stance means she is set to miss the World Cup this summer.

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