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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Putellas picked up a blow in November</li><li>Has been carrying a discomfort since then</li><li>Has had arthroscopy to assess issue</li></ul>

Barcelona and Spain superstar Alexia Putellas undergoes surgical examination on problematic left knee following ACL return

Women's Champions League

SKN St. Poelten

Barcelona

The forward sustained a strong blow during a Champions League match against Benfica on November 14, forcing her to exit the field at half-time after scoring two goals in a 5-0 win. Initial tests on the same night did not reveal any injury and the cause of discomfort was attributed to the severe impact on the knee. However, the discomfort persisted, which forced Putellas to seek specialised medical advice. Despite multiple tests and MRIs, the source of the issue remained unidentified which prompted the club medical staff to take the decision of undergoing an arthroscopy, a minimally invasive surgical procedure on a joint.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Barcelona put out a<a href="https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/womens-football/news/3838405/alexia-procedure-successful" target="_blank"> statement</a> which read: "First-team FC Barcelona Women player Alexia Putellas has had an arthroscopy to examine her left knee. Doctor Joan Carles Monllau performed the procedure at Hospital de Barcelona, with supervision by the Club's Medical Services. She is unavailable for selection and her recovery will determine her return."

WHAT BARCELONA SAID

Dr. Joan Carles Monllau is a renowned Barcelona traumatologist. The arthroscopy is aimed at internally examining the knee and the recovery time typically ranges from two to three months. However, England international Lucy Bronze underwent a similar procedure and took less than six weeks to get back into action, which provides hope to Putellas of a relatively quicker recovery.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Putellas had picked up an anterior cruciate ligament injury in 2022 which ruled her out of the European Championship. However, she got back to optimal <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/barcelona-star-alexia-putellas-pulls-out-spain-squad-ahead-nations-league-fixtures/blt3116e306a117a97e#cs41b3ba333e2cbd07" target="_blank">fitness before the FIFA World Cup in June 2023</a> and played a crucial role in guiding Spain to their maiden global crown.

DID YOU KNOW?

Putellas had excused herself from Spain's national team camp in November which saw her miss the Nations League fixtures against Italy and Sweden. She has also missed several matches with her club and is now set for an extended period on the sidelines.

WHAT NEXT?

Barcelona and Spain superstar Alexia Putellas undergoes surgical examination on problematic left knee following ACL return | Goal.com UK

Barcelona superstar Alexia Putellas has had a surgical examination on her problematic left knee following her anterior cruciate ligament recovery.