Barcelona Expresses Displeasure over Alexia’s Call-up Amidst Recovery

In an unexpected turn of events, Alexia Putellas has been included in the Spanish national team’s squad for the UEFA Nations League Final Four next week. Despite still undergoing the recovery process and not receiving medical clearance, the FC Barcelona player finds herself on Montse Tomé’s list, a decision that has not sat well with the club.

According to sources from Barcelona, the club strongly disagrees with the captain’s decision, as Alexia has not yet resumed normal training with the rest of the group. While she started a partial training regimen this week, it only involved passing drills and rondos, lacking the intensity of match scenarios or high-intensity exercises.

The player has been sidelined for three months, with her last match played on November 14. Barcelona does not see the sense in her call-up, considering it hinders the final stages of her recovery. The club reportedly sent a detailed report on the player’s condition, emphasizing that she is not ready for competitive play.

Barcelona believes that Alexia must have personally spoken to the national team coach, requesting the call-up, as the decision seems otherwise incomprehensible. The club is surprised by this move, given the surrounding context of the player’s injury.

Barcelona anticipates that Alexia may not participate in the semifinal against the Netherlands or a potential final against the winner of the other semifinal between France and Germany. They also express dissatisfaction with the approach and changing criteria of the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF). While the ultimate decision lies with the RFEF, the club finds this situation unusual and uncommon. Notably, Fridolina Rölfo, who has more training load with her Barcelona teammates, has not been called up by the Swedish national team.