Barcelona’s Alexia Putellas has been named in the squad for the Champions League semifinal second leg against Chelsea after almost 10 months out injured. The midfielder has not played since tearing her ACL while with Spain preparing for last summer’s European Championships in July. The match will take place at Spotify Camp Nou on Thursday.
Bronze Ruled Out With Knee Problem
Lucy Bronze has been ruled out of the game after sustaining an injury in the 1-0 first leg win at Stamford Bridge last weekend. The England international underwent keyhole surgery on her right knee this week and will be out for a few weeks.
Barca Warned Against Taking Advantage for Granted
Caroline Graham Hansen’s goal gave Barca a slender lead going into the second leg. After watching Chelsea come from behind to knock out holders Lyon in the quarterfinal, Barca midfielder Patri Guijarro warned against taking that advantage for granted. “Chelsea are a team that in two minutes can score two goals and with two passes can have the ball in the back of the net,” Guijarro said. “We have spoken about the level of concentration needed.”
Barca beat Chelsea 4-0 when the sides met in the 2021 final, but this year’s tournament is a different story. Barca are bidding to reach a fourth Champions League final in five years, while Chelsea are seeking just their second ever appearance in a final.
Barca goalkeeper Sandra Panos said it is “magic” to have Putellas back in training but stressed the importance not to put too much pressure on her as she comes back from a long layoff. “I am delighted for her,” Panos said. “But I don’t think it’s good for her that we put any pressure on her. We must remember the severity of the injury she had and putting more pressure on a player is not the right thing to do.”
Barca can also win Liga F for a fourth successive season on Sunday if they beat Huelva. Over 65,000 tickets have already been sold for Thursday’s game at Camp Nou, with the winners meeting Arsenal or Wolfsburg in Eindhoven on June 3.
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